Pakistan has granted Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, with a temporary registration to advance the country’s journey toward securing high-speed, satellite-based connectivity.
Confirming the development, I.T. and Telecommunication Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had personally directed authorities to ensure Starlink’s registration. She said this reflected the government’s strong commitment to strengthening the country’s internet infrastructure.
“Under the leadership of the prime minister, Pakistan is moving toward digital progress. The approval of satellite internet is a milestone for the country’s digital future,” she added.
The temporary no-objection certificate granted to Starlink follows the completion of thorough consultations with all regulatory and security institutions, including the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), cybersecurity bodies, and the Pakistan Space Authority. The PTA will now oversee the final licensing requirements, including fee payments, before issuing a full operational license.
Once granted an operational license, Starlink will provide high-speed, low-latency internet via its Low Earth Orbit satellite network. According to experts, it would take the company roughly one year after receiving an operational license before it can offer its services to consumers.
Starlink is seen as a significant breakthrough for providing internet services to remote and far-flung regions where it is difficult to provide broadband services. The company has been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) since June 2024. It then secured clearance from the Pakistan Authority for Space and Regulatory Bodies, ensuring its uplinks and downlinks meet national security and interference standards. The company has also been pilot testing its satellite-to-cell service to assess performance in eliminating mobile dead zones across remote areas.