Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by US billionaire Elon Musk, has been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).
“The Space Board Authority is currently reviewing various technical aspects, and we have communicated updates to Starlink,” said Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
She added that the government is working on a regulatory framework to open low earth orbit (LEO) satellite services to all international companies.
The development follows Musk’s remarks on social media platform X, where he stated that Starlink is awaiting approval to begin operations in Pakistan.
On Saturday, Elon Musk, the multibillionaire founder of SpaceX, said that his satellite internet business, Starlink, has submitted an application to be allowed to start doing business in Pakistan. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the Minister of State for Information Technology, also confirmed continued talks with Starlink at a Friday parliamentary session.
In addition to stressing the government’s dedication to enhancing digital services, she recognised the difficulties with Pakistan’s current internet infrastructure. But recent restrictions, including the temporary suspension of the social media site X (previously Twitter), were put in place for national security grounds, she said, and they only affected 2% of the population.
Read more: Spacex’s Starlink Finally Expands Internet Service To Pakistan
Regulatory obstacles have already impeded Starlink’s attempts to enter the Pakistani market, including worries about interference with Pakistan’s geostationary satellite, PakSAT-MM1. Notwithstanding these obstacles, it seems that the government is giving talks with Starlink top priority in an effort to close the digital divide and increase internet access, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas.
In Pakistan, the demand for dependable and extensive internet services has grown more pressing. According to a Top10VPN.com analysis, Pakistan lost $1.62 billion in 2023—the most money of any country—as a result of internet disruptions. These failures are a part of a larger pattern; last year, there were 88,788 hours of internet disruptions worldwide, costing $7.69 billion in lost revenue.
Some of the urgent connectivity issues facing Pakistan may be resolved by Starlink’s satellite-based internet services. Starlink delivers high-speed internet via low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which makes it perfect for places with little access to fibre optics or mobile networks, in contrast to typical internet providers that depend on substantial terrestrial infrastructure. Starlink has the potential to transform internet access in Pakistan by giving millions of people quicker and more dependable service if it is effectively deployed.
- The Impact of Starlink’s Launch on Pakistan’s Present Internet Situation
The introduction of Starlink into Pakistan may have a big effect on the internet environment there. More than 70% of Pakistanis reside in rural areas, and because of poor infrastructure, many of these communities have little or no internet connectivity. By overcoming these obstacles, Starlink’s satellite technology can provide high-speed internet to underserved areas, promote digital literacy, and make online learning and remote employment opportunities accessible.
Better internet connection can also help Pakistan’s economy by enabling tech entrepreneurship, digital banking, and e-commerce. Additionally, it could help close the gap between urban and rural areas by bringing remote areas into the global digital economy. However, in order to guarantee that Starlink’s services are reasonably priced and available to a wide range of people, the government will have to deal with regulatory and pricing issues.