Starlink’s registration with regulatory body in process: PTA chairman

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Maj-Gen (retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman has said Starlink’s registration with the satellite regulatory body is in process, a pre-requisite for obtaining a PTA license for satellite-based internet services.

The PTA chairman met with the Starlink team at the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, Spain, to explore opportunities for expanding digital connectivity in Pakistan.

The discussion focused on improving affordable broadband access, particularly in underserved areas, to bridge the digital divide and accelerate digital transformation.

PTA chairman reaffirmed PTA’s commitment to fostering innovation and enabling emerging technologies for nationwide connectivity.

The Starlink team shared insights on satellite-based internet solutions in competitive world of cellular mobile services and its potential impact on remote regions. Both sides discussed regulatory frameworks and operational strategies for seamless service integration.

In a separate event, Aamir Ibrahim, the CEO of Jazz, said that digital transformation is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to thrive in today’s economy.

Delivering a keynote speech titled “Are Telecom Giants Letting the SMEs Down?” at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, Ibrahim highlighted the transformative potential of digitalisation for Pakistan’s SME sector, which could lead to a fivefold increase in job creation.

At the core of Jazz’s SME strategy is its financial services ecosystem led by JazzCash and Mobilink Microfinance Bank (MMBL). JazzCash processed transactions equivalent to 9 per cent of Pakistan’s GDP in 2024 and has disbursed over $1 billion through 100 million digital loans for productive purposes since its inception.

With an average loan size of $15, JazzCash has successfully reached underserved segments of the population that traditional banking systems have overlooked.

Mobilink Microfinance Bank (MMBL) complements this ecosystem as Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance institution. In 2024 alone, it disbursed $92.5 million in SME loans while building a deposit base of $535.7 million. VEON’s recent $15 million investment in MMBL underscores its commitment to fostering financial inclusion. MMBL has been particularly focused on empowering women entrepreneurs. Through its initiatives, nearly 42,000 women entrepreneurs have been supported, and 25 per cent of its total loan portfolio is dedicated to women-focused initiatives.