Islamabad, Feb 4: Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, is expected to launch in Pakistan within the next six months, according to updates presented to the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT & Telecom.
The Parliamentary Secretary for IT and Telecom revealed that Starlink had submitted its license application in February 2022. However, due to the absence of a regulatory framework at that time, the approval process faced delays. She estimated that final approvals might take a few more months.
The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, informed the committee that 90% of discussions between Starlink and the Space Regulatory Authority had been finalized. The authority, which operates under the Strategic Plans Division, is managing the regulatory process.
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Committee members expressed frustration over bureaucratic hurdles slowing down Starlink’s entry into the Pakistani market. They urged concerned authorities to expedite the licensing procedure and emphasized the need for swift government intervention to facilitate the approval process.
Additionally, a committee member stressed the importance of user data protection and called for strict oversight before granting operational approval to Starlink. Addressing broader industry concerns, the PTA Chairman highlighted that the telecom sector has generated Rs. 1,700 billion in revenue over the past six years. However, he pointed out that while India has invested $13 billion in enhancing digital connectivity under Prime Minister Modi, Pakistan has yet to allocate significant funds for fiberization and network expansion.
Despite these challenges, the PTA Chairman assured the committee that efforts are underway to improve the country’s digital infrastructure. The IT Ministry has initiated a fiberization policy, and last year, 2,000 new telecom towers were installed as part of a long-term strategy to enhance connectivity across the nation.
With Starlink’s potential arrival, Pakistan’s internet landscape could see a significant transformation, particularly in remote and underserved regions. The introduction of satellite-based internet services promises to bridge the digital divide, offering faster and more reliable connectivity nationwide. However, much depends on how swiftly the regulatory approvals are finalized and whether necessary safeguards are put in place to ensure data security and compliance with local laws.