Musk’s Starlink to Be Called Upon to Pay Telco Levy in New Zealand: Commerce Commission

The price of success—in this case achieving revenue of over $10 million—is a bill for its share of the Telecommunications Development Levy, the Commission says.

Antennas are seen at the booth of Elon Musk's "Starlink" during the opening of the 100th edition of the IFA ("Internationale Funkausstellung", "Innovation for All"), the international trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances in Berlin, Germany on Sept. 6, 2024. Tobias Schwarz/AFP via Getty Images

Elon Musk’s Starlink now has over 37,000 customers in New Zealand for its satellite broadband service, which delivers internet to remote locations, including homes, bachs (small holiday homes), boats and even Air New Zealand planes.

That’s brought its local revenue to over $10 million (US$6.01 million)—which triggers an obligation for it to contribute toward the annual $12 million Telecommunications Development Levy.