PUC warns of legal action against illegal Starlink resellers

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has issued a firm warning to unauthorised resellers of Starlink (Guyana) Inc services, declaring its intention to pursue legal action against individuals or companies violating national telecommunications regulations.
Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Tesla and ‘X’ owner Elon Musk, began operating locally in April.
In a statement released this week, the Commission revealed it has observed Starlink services being advertised and sold on social media platforms at prices significantly above the officially approved rates of $11,000 for residential and $7,400 for residential lite packages. These rates, effective from April 21, 2025, were formally approved by the PUC and are meant to ensure transparency, affordability, and consistency across the emerging satellite internet sector.
However, local resellers on social media are advertising the monthly subscriptions for as much as from $27,500 to $79,000.
Meanwhile, though Starlink website is retailing the equipment at $82,000 for the “Starlink Standard Kit” and $42,000 for the “Starlink Mini Kit” locally, pages advertising on social media are selling the equipment at markups as much as between $128,000 and $140,000. These advertisers are particularly targeting interior locations, where mining takes place, and where internet services are limited.
The PUC emphasised that no individual or company is authorised to retail Starlink services in Guyana.
According to the utility regulatory body, Starlink’s local representatives, in a joint meeting with the Commission on March 17, 2024, confirmed that all consumer transactions, including registration, payments, and support must be conducted directly through the company’s official website at www.starlink.com/gy.
“The Commission has taken note of these unregulated activities and is prepared to initiate legal proceedings against violators in accordance with existing telecommunications laws,” the PUC stated. It also urged consumers to be vigilant and avoid being exploited by third-party vendors selling at inflated prices.
This regulatory move comes amid sweeping changes to Guyana’s telecommunications landscape, including the recent introduction of number portability on February 10, 2025, allowing mobile and landline users to switch service providers without changing their phone numbers. The Commission heralded this shift as a pivotal moment for competition, innovation, and consumer empowerment.
The entry of Starlink—a satellite internet service powered by Elon Musk’s SpaceX has been widely welcomed as a game-changer for Guyana, especially for remote and underserved communities previously left out of high-speed internet coverage. The company’s deployment is expected to bridge the digital divide and boost national development across education, healthcare, and business.
However, the PUC has made it clear that the benefits of liberalisation must come with strict regulatory compliance. The Commission has reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers, ensuring fair pricing, and maintaining a level playing field in the telecoms sector.
Consumers are advised to verify all rates and licensed services by visiting the Commission’s website at www.puc.org.gy. Any suspicious activities or offers should be reported directly to the PUC.
As the sector continues to evolve, the PUC is promising close oversight to ensure Guyanese citizens enjoy reliable, affordable, and legal telecommunications services in a rapidly modernising digital environment.