On Saturday, State Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed that Starlink has officially registered in Pakistan, and its licensing process is currently underway.
This announcement followed a tweet from SpaceX owner Elon Musk, who confirmed discussions with the Pakistani government.
In recent months, many 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, including satellite services in Pakistan.
According to a senior official from the Ministry of IT, after registration, satellite data operators like Starlink will need to secure a license from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to operate in the country.
Currently, six global satellite operators offer internet services, including Amazon, OneWeb (a Chinese firm), and Starlink. Reports suggest OneWeb plans to expand its services in Pakistan, particularly in areas lacking traditional connectivity infrastructure.
Interestingly, the Maldives is the only South and Southeast Asian country to have granted Starlink a license, while other countries in the region, including Bangladesh and India, are still evaluating the technical feasibility of satellite services from Low Earth Orbit satellites.
