Elon Musk’s Starlink and Shanghai Spacecom, a Chinese satellite communications company, have both submitted applications to operate in Pakistan. Their goal is to improve internet connectivity across the country, particularly in areas that currently lack reliable access to high-speed internet.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is currently reviewing these applications. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Pakistan’s State Minister for IT and Telecommunication, confirmed this development on December 24, 2024. According to her, both companies will need to partner with locally registered firms to meet Pakistan’s regulatory requirements. This step ensures that all operations align with the country’s legal and technical framework.
If their applications are approved, the introduction of these satellite-based internet services could be a game-changer for Pakistan’s digital landscape. Remote and underserved areas, which often struggle with poor connectivity, stand to benefit significantly from the enhanced internet infrastructure these companies promise to provide.
The PTA is assessing the applications through its Online Application Submission Information System (OASIS). This streamlined process not only simplifies the review but also ensures that the proposed services meet Pakistan’s quality and performance standards. If successful, this move could represent a major milestone in the development of Pakistan’s internet services, bridging the digital divide and fostering greater connectivity nationwide.
