Starlink, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, is expected to launch its internet services in Pakistan by the end of this year, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced on Monday.
The satellite-based internet network, managed by Starlink Services, LLC, made headlines last month when it was issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Although temporary, the NOC created a buzz among internet users and experts weighed in on various aspects of the international internet provider’s potential impact on the larger digital infrastructure in the country.
The IT minister made the remarks concerning the availability of Starlink on Monday during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology, which was held in Islamabad. It was chaired by Syed Aminul Haque and attended by PTA Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman.
“The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board has given Starlink a temporary NOC to operate in Pakistan,” the PTA chief informed the committee. “Once regulations are finalised, it will receive a full licence to operate.” When inquired by Haque why Starlink was not granted a complete licence, the IT minister responded by saying that Starlink is a “new technology”.
“Satellite internet is a new technology and there were many people who looked into its different aspects,” Khawaja said. “A consultant has been hired to help finalise the regulations. Once they are finalised, Starlink will have to reapply.” The minister confirmed that Starlink’s internet services will be available by November or December once its infrastructure has been installed in the country.
It is important to note that X (formerly Twitter) is still banned in Pakistan. The Musk-owned social media platform was suspended roughly a week after the general elections, which were held in February last year. The government has cited unspecified threats to national security in response to calls for justification for the ban.
