Starlink registers in Pakistan, licensing process underway: IT Minister

On Saturday, State Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed that Starlink has officially registered in Pakistan and that its licensing process is currently in progress. This announcement came shortly after SpaceX owner Elon Musk responded to a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), revealing that the company is in discussions with the Pakistani government.

In recent months, numerous enthusiasts tagged Musk, urging him to launch satellite-based internet services in Pakistan.

In April 2024, the government introduced the “National Space Activities Rules 2024,” which governs space activities in Pakistan, including satellite-based services. Under these rules, space activities performed within Pakistani territory or by vessels, ships, and aircraft registered in Pakistan are regulated, and entities conducting satellite-based services must be licensed.

According to a senior official from the Ministry of IT, after the registration process is completed, satellite data operators like Starlink will be required to secure a license from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to provide their services within the country.

Currently, six global satellite operators offer internet services, with companies like Amazon, OneWeb (a Chinese firm), and Starlink entering the market. Reports have also indicated that OneWeb is planning to expand its services in Pakistan, particularly in underserved areas where traditional connectivity infrastructure, such as radio towers and fiber cables, is unavailable.

Interestingly, Maldives remains the only South and Southeast Asian country that has issued Starlink a license. Other nations in the region, including Bangladesh and India, are still evaluating the feasibility and technical components of satellite services from Low Earth Orbit satellites.