PUC Denies Starlink’s License Application but Allows Limited User Imports

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has denied Elon Musk’s Starlink application for a Class Licence to provide internet services across Belize. In October 2024, Starlink Belize applied to the PUC for a class license to offer fixed broadband internet services to the public, and mobile internet services for aeronautical, maritime, and terrestrial use. The PUC then reviewed the application and decided not to approve the license. However, the PUC will be allowing end-users to import and operate Starlink equipment under specific circumstances. Users in unserved or underserved areas, as well as those operating vessels or aircraft, can apply to import and use Starlink terminals. Additionally, end-users will be able to import and use the equipment in emergencies when other providers are unable to offer service. The PUC’s Communications Manager, Sheena Garnett, spoke to our newsroom about the regulatory body’s decision. 

Sheena Garnett, Communications Manager, PUC: “We looked at the consumer expectations. We looked at the existing regulatory framework. And we also looked at the potential impact on the current telecommunication service providers in country. So after looking at all these things, we did not approve SBL’s applications for a class license. However, it was approved that end users, end users are allowed to import and operate Starlink equipment in limited circumstances. So end users being an individual person or for a school, and I’ll get into that a little bit more. So the end users are allowed to import and operate Starlink equipment in these limited circumstances. Now, what exactly are those circumstances? Well, it’s outlined in the decision that if you are in an unserved or underserved area in the country, as an end user, you will be allowed to import and operate at fixed locations that are currently not being served by the existing service providers. Underserved areas means it could be an area where an existing internet service provider does have service however in the fringes of those areas you would have where the service is not available. So that is the distinction between the unserved and underserved areas that consideration would be given for the importation and operation of Starlink equipment.”

Garnett further added that individuals currently using Starlink equipment in Belize are now required to register their devices with the PUC. She also explained that current telecommunication regulation already allows for mobile internet services onboard aircraft and vessels. 

Sheena Garnett, Communications Manager, PUC: “The decision also speaks to vessels and aircrafts. Again, end users will be permitted to import and operate these Starlink terminals, these equipments on the vessels, the aircrafts under the terms and conditions set forth for the earth station in motion or ESIM usage in accordance with the existing regulations that we have in place. That’s the limited circumstances in essence that the decision speaks to. And the PUC also is requiring Starlink equipment that are currently in operation in the country to register within 60 days of this decision. So that brings us to March. The decision was handed, was made,o on the 20th. We published it, so it would be at 60 days from that time. And that will be available, registration would be available on our Spectrum Online Center that’s located on our website. Speaking to new users now, new users of Starlink equipment will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must adhere to the PUC’s importation of equipment process. What that simply means, we do have things in place already, right? We do have these things in place.”

Garnett added that full details of this decision can be found on the PUC’s website.