Pakistan Registers Starlink for Satellite-Based Internet Services
ISLAMABAD: IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced on Saturday that the satellite-based internet company Starlink has officially been registered in Pakistan. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, X, and Starlink, responded on the social media platform X, confirming that the company is in talks with the government to initiate operations in the country.
The IT minister addressed public queries about Starlink’s entry into Pakistan, stating, “It is registered, and the licensing process is underway.”
Enthusiasts of Starlink took to social media, tagging Elon Musk and urging him to bring satellite internet services to Pakistan, especially in remote areas where access to reliable internet remains a challenge. One user wrote, “Dear @elonmusk, please bring Starlink to Pakistan. Our people need better internet, especially in remote areas. Access to platforms like X is restricted here too. Starlink could connect millions,” with the hashtag #StarlinkForPakistan.
US-Based Firm Seeks PTA Licence for Operations
Another user expressed, “@elonmusk, with Starlink, Pakistan could leap into the future, where every citizen has the chance to connect and grow. Please, let Starlink be our bridge to tomorrow.”
Musk responded on X, saying, “We are waiting for approval from the government.”
The registration process is being handled by the National Space Agency (NSA), which operates under the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). The NSA is responsible for space-related activities in Pakistan and managing agreements with foreign satellite operators.
In April 2024, the government of Pakistan introduced the National Space Activities Rules 2024, which govern space activities carried out within the country or on Pakistani-registered vehicles. According to the rules, the National Space Agency will oversee agreements with foreign satellite operators, allowing them to distribute and sell satellite data in Pakistan.
A senior official from the IT Ministry mentioned that after completing the registration, satellite data operators like Starlink will need to engage with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to obtain a licence and commence services.
Global Satellite Internet Operators Competing for Market
Currently, around six operators provide satellite-based internet services worldwide, with new players entering the market, including Starlink, Amazon, OneWeb, and a Chinese operator.
Sources within the NSA also confirmed that the Chinese company has gathered the necessary information to enter Pakistan’s internet market. These low-earth orbit satellites are designed to provide internet services in areas where traditional radio towers or fibre optic networks are unavailable, ensuring uninterrupted data transmission even in remote regions.
Despite progress, it is noted that only the Maldives has granted a licence to Starlink in the South and Southeast Asian region so far. Meanwhile, countries like India and Bangladesh are still evaluating the technical aspects of satellite services from low-earth orbit satellites.
