Starlink to Launch in Pakistan in Six Months as Govt Expedites Licensing Process
Elon Musk’s Starlink is set to launch in Pakistan within six months, as revealed during the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT & Telecom meeting. The Parliamentary Secretary for IT and Telecom confirmed that Starlink’s licensing process, initially delayed due to regulatory challenges, is now in its final stages.
Starlink applied for a license in February 2022, but the authorities lacked the necessary framework to process the application. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman, Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, informed the committee that 90% of discussions with the Space Regulatory Authority are complete, and approval is expected soon.
The committee expressed concerns over unnecessary bureaucratic delays and urged the government to expedite the process. Additionally, another satellite company has also applied for a license, indicating growing competition in Pakistan’s satellite internet sector.
While discussing Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure, the PTA Chairman highlighted that despite contributing Rs. 1,700 billion in revenue over the past six years, the government has not invested in the sector. In contrast, India has allocated $13 billion to connectivity under its fiberization initiatives. However, Pakistan is now working on a fiberization policy, with 2,000 telecom towers installed last year.
Starlink’s launch in Pakistan is expected to significantly enhance internet connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Authorities are ensuring data protection measures while facilitating the service’s swift introduction.
Stay tuned for further updates as Pakistan moves closer to welcoming Starlink’s high-speed internet services.
