Watchdog to challenge Starlink decision

Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen says the Watchdog will appeal to the National Government regarding the decision in the Starlink case.

He revealed this during an event in Kimbe.

Commissioner Pagen says, despite the court ruling, the Ombudsman Commission believes some factors do not serve the interest of Papua New Guinea.

Commissioner Pagen raised six [6] critical points why the Ombudsman Commission interfered to stop Starlink from entering the country.

Among these include tax evasion, shareholding, loss of jobs by current Internet service providers and paying of credits using foreign currency.

Commissioner Pagen said, based on the National Procurement Act sections 47 and 48, foreign companies that want to invest in Papua New Guinea will own 50% while the country will own a 50% share.

"In Starlink, what's the percentage that Papua New Guineans own? Zero. Because it's a foreign company. so, all the money that we will pay to get the credits to use Starlink, everything is going abroad," he said.

Pagen questioned Starlink on how it will pay tax to the country since it will not have its officer here.

"How will we know that you made K100,000 when in your tax you will be reporting K50,000?

It's a government policy that you have your office here and we know how much tax you are going to pay," Pagen said.