Islamabad, Jan 22: The recent developments in Pakistan’s telecommunications landscape have sparked considerable interest, with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) discussing the potential introduction of SpaceX’s Starlink, the satellite internet service envisioned by Elon Musk.
This information came to light during a session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan.
Starlink, which proposed its entry into the Pakistani market by applying for a license on February 24, 2022, is currently navigating the regulatory framework established by PTA.
The company must also register with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the Pakistan Standards Bureau (PSB) before it can begin operations.
The PTA’s chairman has confirmed that these processes are underway and advancing towards completion.
The entry of Starlink into Pakistan promises to significantly boost internet connectivity by employing a vast constellation of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).
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These satellites are designed to provide high-speed internet with low latency, potentially transforming digital access in regions currently underserved by traditional broadband services.
With latency figures as impressive as 20 milliseconds, Starlink’s technology could rival, and perhaps surpass, many of the fiber-optic networks currently in place.
Moreover, the PTA also addressed concerns regarding the regulatory process, emphasizing that Starlink would need to adhere to government policies strictly and could not operate independently of the system.
However, Discussions affirmed this stance and called for engaging the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) to assess the regulatory needs of these technologies.
This initiative aims to improve internet access and spark technological innovation, making Pakistan a more connected, digitally inclusive society. International ventures like Starlink and Shanghai Space Technology’s recent interest reflect a growing trend of global tech solutions tailored to local needs, ensuring a strong digital future for Pakistan.
The PTA’s proactive involvement underscores its commitment to enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity infrastructure, using global technological advancements to improve citizens’ lives.
This move could potentially set a precedent for other countries in the region to follow, highlighting the importance of embracing technology to drive societal progress.
