What It Means for Pakistan’s Internet Future
ISLAMABAD – April 29/2025:
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has postponed the issuance of a license to Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite-based internet service, citing ongoing regulatory conditions, according to reliable sources.
Why Starlink Hasn’t Been Approved in Pakistan Yet
Sources close to the matter revealed that Starlink’s licensing process has encountered another delay. The primary hurdle lies in a conditional requirement set by the PTA, making the license subject to Starlink’s permanent registration with the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
As of March 21, SUPARCO had only issued a temporary registration to Starlink, pending further assessment of technical and regulatory compliance.
What SUPARCO is Working On
SUPARCO, Pakistan’s national space agency, is currently finalizing the necessary frameworks to evaluate:
- Starlink’s technical infrastructure
- Spectrum management protocols
- Data security and compliance policies
Until these parameters are fully met, Starlink will not be granted a full operational license in the country.
Starlink’s Progress in South Asia: Bangladesh Takes the Lead
While Pakistan holds off on licensing, Bangladesh has taken a progressive step forward. The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, recently approved Starlink’s license, making Bangladesh the second South Asian country after Sri Lanka to allow Starlink’s operation.
According to regional media reports, public demand for uninterrupted and reliable internet was one of the driving forces behind the decision, especially after repeated blackouts and connectivity issues during recent political unrest in the country.
Bangladesh’s Vision: A Model for Regional Connectivity
Faiz Ahmed Tayyab, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications, and IT, stated that the goal is to:
- Improve internet accessibility in remote areas
- Support disaster-affected regions
- Showcase Bangladesh as an investor-friendly nation
Tayyab further noted the importance of having resilient internet coverage for geographically vulnerable zones such as islands, mountainous terrains, and coastal belts.
Why Starlink Matters for Pakistan
Starlink’s entry into Pakistan could:
- Bridge the digital divide in rural and underserved regions
- Strengthen emergency communication infrastructure
- Foster competition in the broadband market, potentially lowering prices
However, experts argue that the delay reflects Pakistan’s cautious approach to satellite internet due to concerns over cybersecurity, spectrum allocation, and national sovereignty.
✅ Key Takeaways:
- Starlink’s license in Pakistan is delayed pending permanent registration with SUPARCO.
- SUPARCO is reviewing technical and regulatory frameworks before granting final approval.
- Bangladesh has approved Starlink, positioning itself as a regional leader in satellite internet access.
- Pakistan’s decision could impact future investments in its digital economy and internet infrastructure development.
