ISLAMABAD: On Tuesday, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecom, led a meeting with a delegation from Starlink to assess the progress of the satellite-based internet provider’s licensing process.
Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, is one of the world’s leading companies in providing internet via Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. While the company has already registered with Pakistan’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SECP), the government is still working on creating a regulatory framework to grant LEO satellite landing rights for internet services.
The government’s objective is to bridge the internet access gap across the country and extend connectivity to remote areas through satellite internet services.
Currently, internet providers in Pakistan rely on 13 geosynchronous orbit (GSO) satellites, with four serving communication needs for TV channels licensed by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). These GSO satellites orbit about 3,600 kilometers above Earth’s surface, while LEO satellites operate between 300 and 500 kilometers, offering the potential to provide direct internet access to both individual and commercial users.
Due to frequent internet slowdowns, particularly those influenced by political factors, numerous IT service providers with international clients have turned to Starlink for uninterrupted connectivity. One executive from an IT company shared that they have been using Starlink’s reliable service, despite the high cost of 750 pounds per month, with satisfactory internet speed.
While Starlink does not yet have operations in Pakistan, IT companies are paying subscription fees abroad. However, a senior official from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) warned that using such services within Pakistan remains illegal, and users could face action if caught.
Starlink’s path to operationalizing services in Pakistan hinges on receiving regulatory approval from the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board and an operational license from the PTA.
Meanwhile, Shaza Fatima Khawaja chaired a separate meeting to review the development of a regulatory framework for LEO satellite operations in Pakistan. The meeting emphasized the need to align national satellite policies with global standards to fully harness the potential of these technologies for Pakistan’s growth and development. It was agreed that the process of hiring consultants to finalize the framework would be completed within weeks.
