Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Pakistan’s Minister of State for IT, recently met with a team from Starlink to discuss the progress on licensing its satellite-based internet service.
Starlink, a company owned by Elon Musk, is already registered with Pakistan’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SECP). However, the government is still working on finalizing the rules for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services.
The introduction of Starlink in Pakistan aims to address the internet access gap in remote and underserved areas. Currently, some IT companies in the country are using Starlink’s services for reliable internet. However, the high cost of the service remains a concern for wider adoption.
Before Starlink can officially begin its operations in Pakistan, it needs approval from the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (SUPARCO) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
This development is part of the government’s broader effort to improve internet connectivity across the country. With its advanced satellite technology, Starlink has the potential to provide fast and reliable internet, especially in areas where traditional internet services are unavailable.
The government and Starlink are working closely to ensure all regulatory requirements are met. Once approved, Starlink could play a significant role in boosting Pakistan’s IT infrastructure and bridging the digital divide.
This initiative reflects Pakistan’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to improve connectivity and support the growing demands of its IT sector.
