
Minister of Information and Technology Melford Nicholas has informed the Cabinet that Starlink, a major telecommunications provider operating in Antigua and Barbuda, has not been paying taxes.
The company, which relies on satellite technology to deliver its services, has reportedly been operating in the region without contributing to the local tax system.
Cabinet members were told that Starlink’s technology allows it to bypass the conventional infrastructure used by other telecommunications companies, raising concerns about regulatory compliance and tax obligations.
Nicholas underscored the importance of ensuring that all businesses, regardless of their operational model, fulfill their tax responsibilities, including contributions to the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST).
Following these revelations, the Cabinet agreed to take decisive steps to recover the outstanding taxes from the company.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing tax laws and ensuring compliance from all telecommunications providers operating within its jurisdiction.
The discussion on Starlink’s tax status highlights the growing need for updated regulatory frameworks that reflect advancements in technology and the evolving telecommunications industry.
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Disagree… If the customer is paying local taxes in the region it’s registered in that should be sufficient. Is Antigua also going to start charging cell phone companies tax for when people use non AG providers… ? Extremely short sighted on behalf of AG and just screams of local corruption.
It’s great to see the Antigua government taking action to recover unpaid taxes from Starlink. Holding companies accountable for their financial obligations is important to ensure that everyone pays their fair share. However, I hope the government takes a balanced approach to avoid discouraging future investments from global companies. There needs to be transparency in how these funds will be used to benefit the public. It’s important that this recovery process does not harm local businesses or the overall economy in the long run.
How will it impact the future business relationship with Starlink and other global companies? We need to balance enforcement with fostering an environment that continues to attract investment and innovation to Antigua.
Starlink is not yet approved to operate in Antigua? How can you expect to get taxes when we have not yet approved their operation? Desperation at its best.
Asking for a friend. Is Starlink approved for use in Antigua & Barbuda?
I’m not sure they have been “operating” in Antigua. They have a global package which will connect to the nearest satellite. People that own yachts use them all the time.
@Wada – Very good point
It wasn’t yesterday, when i checked.
But if they are not approved to operate in ANU, how can they be providing services to customers in Antigua? That makes them illegal if you ask me…..
But all they have to do is come out and make a statement about why they have not been paying taxes. If they are registered to operate here then they must pay taxes. If not, then they are operating illegally and must be fine.
It does not matter the impact at all. This is what is wrong with businesses that operate in or want to operate in ANU. Anywhere else in the world that the go they must pay taxes or face stiff fines and/or penalties. Why should it be any different here or in the Caribbean. What are we stupid?
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