Islamabad, Apr 28, 2025: The approval process for Starlink’s satellite internet operations in Pakistan has encountered new setbacks, as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has decided not to issue the license based merely on temporary registration.
The delay follows a notification from the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB), highlighting that Starlink’s permanent registration remains incomplete.
Initially, PSARB had awarded Starlink a provisional registration on March 21.
However, the full license will only be granted once Starlink fulfills all technical and regulatory standards required for permanent status.
The PTA has now firmly linked the issuance of a full operating license to the successful completion of these formalities.
Sources within PTA have revealed that the authority will hold off on granting Starlink’s license until PSARB finalizes the permanent registration process.
Meanwhile, Starlink representatives have acknowledged they are awaiting official approval but stressed that only the government and PTA could explain the exact causes of the delay.
Earlier, during a National Assembly IT Committee session, Minister for IT Shaza Fatima had indicated that satellite internet services might launch in Pakistan by November or December 2025.
At that time, she noted Starlink and Chinese firm Shanghai Space would be key competitors. However, with the current licensing holdups, the anticipated launch might now be postponed.
The PTA Chairman had earlier mentioned that Starlink’s temporary approval would transition into a full license once all related regulations were finalized.
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Despite regulatory obstacles, Starlink is continuing its groundwork, including infrastructure development, although progress hinges on meeting Pakistan’s legal and technical demands.
Anticipated Starlink Plans and Costs in Pakistan
While no official launch date has been confirmed, early reports hint that Starlink will offer three subscription packages in Pakistan:
- Residential Plan: Rs35,000/month (50–250 Mbps) plus a one-time device fee of Rs110,000
- Business Plan: Rs95,000/month with a one-time installation cost of Rs220,000
- Mobility Plan: Rs50,000/month with an equipment charge of Rs120,000
Although Starlink promises faster speeds and broader satellite coverage compared to conventional broadband, the steep pricing could restrict its appeal among average users.
Even after securing a license, Starlink will face further hurdles, such as building local ground stations, acquiring security approvals, and fitting seamlessly into Pakistan’s telecom framework, a process expected to take about a year.
Nonetheless, Starlink’s entry could reshape Pakistan’s broadband landscape, pushing existing internet providers to elevate their service quality.
