The Standing Committee on IT and Telecom of the National Assembly, led by Aminul Haq, convened to discuss basic issues, including the Personal Data Protection Bill, internet connectivity, and the conclusion of Starlink’s licensing in Pakistan.
Tending to persistent load shedding in Gilgit-Baltistan, the council recommended using solar power to keep telecom towers functional. “If the towers are powered by solar, no less than somebody’s phone will work,” commented Executive Aminul Haq.
Accordingly, Special Communication Organization (SCO) authorities stated that it would require around two years to change to solar energy in the district completely.
“Today, data security is a huge issue, and I have doubts about Starlink’s ability to protect our residents’ information,” he said. However, the board didn’t mention huge objections regarding the satellite service provider.
The committee also discussed the state of internet connectivity in the country, with Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) Administrator, Maj Gen (R) Amir Azeem Bajwa, uncovering that PTA had contributed Rs 1.7 trillion to government revenue in the past six years.
In any case, Bajwa lamented that the government had not made any investments in the telecom sector during this time. “Rapid internet connectivity comes from laying fiber cables. India’s Modi government put $13 billion in their telecom area, while we have made no such investment,” he said.
Read more: Starlink applies to establish two or three ground stations in Pakistan
He encouraged the government to focus on speeding up fiber optic system advancement, following India’s example.
Because of questions regarding connectivity issues in rural areas, the PTA director explained that telecom organizations were hesitant to lay out towers in regions without business potential. “We are attempting to urge organizations to install towers in these districts,” Bajwa noted.
The committee individuals communicated disappointment over the country’s inadequate internet providers, for certain areas lacking access even 40 kilometers outside Lahore. “Our kids have to travel from remote areas to cities for basic internet access,” said part Ahmed Atiq.
Accordingly, the PTA chairman promised that 2,000 telecom towers would be installed in 2024, with new towers planned for remote regions like Buner. “90% of the talks with Starlink and the Space Regulatory Body are complete, and the licensing process is currently at its last stage,” he added.
The committee recommended that the government expedite negotiations with Starlink to guarantee timely service rollout in Pakistan.