Govt to hire consultant for Starlink licensing

ISLAMABAD: The federal government plans to hire a consultant to finalise regulations for the satellite-based company Starlink’s internet services, owned by US billionaire Elon Musk, in Pakistan, it emerged on Tuesday.

The development was discussed during a meeting chaired by Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, focusing on advancing satellite connectivity and technology in Pakistan.

The session, which included representatives from SUPARCO, PTA, and the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board, delved into Starlink’s licensing and regulatory progress, alongside the development of a regulatory framework for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.

During the meeting, it was decided to hire a consultant within the next few weeks to assist the licensing process for Starlink and LEO satellites, aiming to align Pakistan’s satellite policies with international standards. The meeting also discussed how the use of LEO satellites could enhance connectivity and contribute to the nation’s technological advancement.

Furthermore, the IT Ministry expressed commitment to establish a regulatory framework for satellite technology that meets global benchmarks. The meeting came a day after the state minister confirmed that the satellite-based internet-providing company Starlink was registered with the Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

“[Following the approval] the space board authority is looking into various technical aspects and we have communicated [about this] to Starlink,” she said while speaking to Geo.tv.

The IT minister added that a regulatory regime was being worked out so that all low earth orbit (LEO) satellite companies including Starlink “is open to all international companies”.

Two days earlier, Musk confirmed that he was awaiting Islamabad’s approval to launch Starlink in Pakistan. He made the remarks while responding to messages on social media platform X by a Pakistani social media activist.