By securing a temporary NOC, Starlink is ready to debut in Pakistan’s digital industry through its satellite internet services. On Friday, the Information Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed that Starlink secured temporary registration to kick start satellite internet service in Pakistan, aiming to bridge the digital divide. The Minister said
“Modern solutions like satellite internet will not only enhance connectivity but will bridge the digital divide across Pakistan,”
This decision is made after rigorous consultations with all the stakeholders, including security agencies and regulatory bodies. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will ensure that the global tech giant adheres to the country’s regulatory framework which includes licensing obligations and service fee.
According to Ary News reports,
the NOC has been issued by Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board after clearance from the Ministry of Interior.
Additionally, the company has completed a three step registration procedure in Pakistan with the final stage of licence issued by PTA awaited. The authority affirmed that the licence will be issued in the next two weeks.
In January 2025, Starlink CEO Elon Musk announced that the company applied for registration in Pakistan’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SECP) under the name Starlink Internet Services (Private) Limited. The company submitted technical and business plans to the PTA and secured licence from SECP and Pakistan Software Export Board. The satellite service provider planned to establish two or three ground stations in Pakistan, providing direct satellite internet access to the users. Since then, the application has been awaiting security clearance.
According to Express Tribune In February 2022, Startlink first submitted an application for a long-distance internet licence. However, with the aim to provide satellite-based internet services, the company later on applied for 14 Local Loop licences.
X Banned in Pakistan
As the global satellite internet company is entering in Pakistan after long regulatory hiccups, it is interesting to note that Musk’s X is banned in Pakistan for non-compliance with government directives to remove certain content. The social media platform was banned in February 2024, ahead of national elections. Now it seems that the ice is melting between the country’s top echelon and the global tech giant, it is to be seen how both will navigate the future challenges associated with freely accessible satellite internet and country’s security concerns.
