Islamabad, Jan 12: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government is exploring collaboration with Elon Musk’s Starlink to address persistent internet connectivity issues affecting the province’s digital economy.
Dr. Shafqat Ayaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Science and Technology, expressed concerns over the detrimental impact of slow internet speeds on the IT sector, which serves as a significant income source for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and women engaged in online businesses.”Reliable internet is essential to sustain these ventures and prevent further financial losses,” Dr. Ayaz emphasized.
The provincial government previously engaged with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to seek solutions.Despite technical recommendations and visits by PTA officials to the IT department in Peshawar, significant improvements have not materialized.
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Frustrated by the lack of progress, Dr. Ayaz criticized the federal government’s neglect of KP’s connectivity needs, suggesting political motives behind the delays.He indicated that if the PTA fails to resolve the issues promptly, the provincial government would formally approach Elon Musk to seek access to Starlink’s satellite internet services.
Starlink, a satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX, aims to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet globally, particularly in remote and underserved areas.Its potential introduction in KP could revolutionize the province’s digital landscape, offering a viable alternative to traditional internet service providers.
The ongoing internet slowdown has affected millions of users nationwide, with the federal government attributing the problem to faults in submarine cables.However, reports suggest that authorities may also be experimenting with a new “firewall,” contributing to connectivity issues.
Elon Musk has previously indicated that Starlink is awaiting approval from the Pakistani government to commence operations in the country.In response to a social media inquiry, Musk stated, “We are waiting for approval from the government.”
The KP government’s initiative to engage with Starlink underscores its commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure and supporting the growth of the province’s digital economy.By seeking innovative solutions to persistent connectivity challenges, KP aims to empower its IT sector and ensure sustainable economic development.
