Starlink granted ‘temporary’ registration in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed on Friday that satellite-based internet provider Starlink’ was granted temporary registration in Pakistan following the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

After procedural issues, the satellite-based internet provider, in all likelihood, will be able to launch services in one year.

The Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication said with the consensus of all security and regulatory bodies, Starlink has been issued a temporary no-objection certificate (NOC). She said the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) would oversee compliance with fee payments and other licensing requirements by the company.

The move will pave the way for Elon Musk’s company to obtain a formal license from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), said well-placed sources. The clearance from the Space Regulatory Authority in Pakistan (PSARB) is a mandatory condition for satellite-based internet-providing companies to operate in the country. The sources further said that PSARB has finalised key technical issues, including frequency, power, and earth gateway stations. “PTA is expected to issue the license to Starlink within four weeks,” the sources said, adding that afterwards, Starlink is expected to take one year to launch its services in the country, the sources added. To ensure high-speed internet connectivity, Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit satellite will operate at an altitude of 250 to 500 kilometres. The sources further said that the government had hired an international consultant to finalise regulations for the satellite-based company. Fatima said that, under Prime Minister Shehbaz’s leadership, Pakistan is making significant strides towards digital transformation. She added that modern solutions like satellite internet will greatly enhance connectivity, particularly in underserved and remote areas of the country.”