The Minister of State for IT, Shaza Fatima, has announced that efforts are being made to bring Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, StarLink, to Pakistan. This initiative aims to address the persistent internet connectivity issues faced across the country.
During a Senate Standing Committee meeting, chaired by Senator Kauda Babar, several key concerns related to the IT sector were discussed. These included frequent internet disruptions, the process of obtaining VPN licenses, and how national security measures are impacting the growth of Pakistan’s IT industry.
The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) revealed that a new system for VPN licensing is set to launch on January 1. This move is intended to address data security risks while ensuring smoother operations for IT businesses.
Industry representatives at the meeting expressed their concerns about how internet interruptions are slowing the growth of Pakistan’s IT sector. In response, the committee urged the government to implement clear policies to improve internet speeds and minimize shutdowns, which negatively affect both businesses and individual users.
Additionally, the Minister of IT confirmed that the government is planning a 5G spectrum auction in April 2024, which is expected to significantly boost the country’s digital infrastructure. Negotiations to introduce StarLink are also ongoing, promising faster and more reliable internet access for remote and underserved areas.
These initiatives reflect the government’s focus on overcoming internet challenges and creating a robust digital environment to support Pakistan’s growing IT sector.
