Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Tesla and ‘X’ owner Elon Musk, has begun operating in Guyana.
According to the company’s website, Starlink is currently offering residential plans that include a “no contracts, 30-day trial” period with the equipment shipping in 1-2 weeks. The residential plans include “standard” and “mini” packages that both offer two monthly subscription plans: the “Residential” for $11,000 per month, and the “Residential Lite” for $7400 per month.
Starlink owner Elon Musk, who also owns Tesla and ‘X’
The one-time equipment also comes in the “Starlink Standard Kit” for $82,000, and the Starlink Mini Kit for $42,000. There are also a number of accessory add-ons for sale.
According to the website, “The Starlink Kit arrives with everything needed to get online in minutes. All you need is a clear view of the sky. Download the Starlink App to determine your best install location.”
Starlink’s arrival in Guyana is part of the move to explore more pathways to further develop Guyana’s profitable and rapidly expanding tech sector, while ensuring prosperity for Guyana’s economy.
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX. It provides high-speed, low-latency broadband internet in remote and rural locations globally. It utilizes a network of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver internet access to areas where traditional terrestrial internet options are unreliable or unavailable.
Starlink aims to make high-speed internet accessible for activities like video calls, online gaming, and streaming.
National Security Advisor Gerry Gouveia has confirmed that the service is currently available all across Guyana.
“It started a couple days ago. It’s for everybody. You can buy it online, and I actually just bought one for myself online. Anyone can go and find it online,” Gouveia noted.
Plus for Guyana’s economy
Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr Peter Ramsaroop, has noted that whenever the company enters the market, it could only mean a plus for the Guyana economy and Guyana consumers.
“Our Government has liberalised the telecommunications sector, and any company is welcome to explore the Guyana market if they see a need and they can benefit from its good. That is why the Government has liberalised the telecommunications industry, to bring down cost and to give consumers alternatives,” Dr Ramsaroop has noted.
It was announced late last year that Starlink had applied for a licence to operate in Guyana to provide internet services.
In a meeting with President Dr Irfaan Ali last year, Musk had expressed his intentions to invest in Guyana’s technological sector, as it provides a gateway to economic enhancement through digitisation and modernisation.
The Government is actively exploring numerous pathways to further develop Guyana’s profitable and rapidly expanding tech sector while ensuring prosperity for Guyana’s economy.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had commented on the issue, emphasising the importance of the company being fully licensed and adhering to all tax laws.
Guyana has been seeing rapid development in the telecommunications sector since it was liberalised in 2020. It was the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) government that officially liberalised the telecommunications sector, issuing the commencement orders on October 05, 2020 shortly after taking office on August 2, 2020.
In wake of this move, the expectation had been that Guyana would see the entrance of new telecom operators; and
Guyana has since seen massive expansion of telecommunication providers Digicel and Enet, which provide internet and cellular services.
These companies brought increased competition to the local market, which had previously been monopolised by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT).
