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Starlink Gets Licence to Operate in Pakistan
Starlink’s satellite internet service could revolutionize connectivity in Pakistan. (Source: Starlink)
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Starlink gets licence to operate in Pakistan, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to improve internet connectivity. The internet company, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, has received provisional permission to start its services, paving the way for satellite internet access across the nation.

For more insights on internet penetration in Pakistan, check out our detailed analysis.

• IT minister announces provisional permission for satellite internet firm

• Official says discussions ongoing on issues, such as internet shutdown for security reasons

• Move follows pilot testing by military in February

Starlink Gets Licence to Operate in Pakistan: Key Details

The decision to grant Starlink a licence to operate in Pakistan comes after months of deliberation and pilot testing. The company, which provides internet connectivity through satellites, has been allowed to enter the market on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other government agencies, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said in a statement on Friday.

“Starlink’s arrival in Pakistan will mark the formal launch of satellite internet services,” she added.

Permission from the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) will pave the way for Mr Musk’s company to provide internet access in Pakistan.

After registering with the PSARB, Starlink will need an operating licence from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to commence its business.

The company and the telecom regulator would sign an agreement over key issues, including fee payment and other licensing requirements, the IT minister said.

Challenges for Starlink’s Operation in Pakistan

While Starlink gets licence to operate in Pakistan, several challenges remain. A senior PTA official told Dawn that the regulator would take up the issue on Monday.

The government has been looking to fast-track the permission process, and codal formalities will be completed in two weeks, the official added.

“Discussions have already been held with the Starlink team, but mutual agreement over key points related to the shutdown of services in any area over security reasons were yet to be reached,” the official said.

Authorities frequently shut down mobile internet during key religious and political events.

Telecom companies, also regulated by the PTA, are bound to comply with the government’s directives to restrict the internet anytime. How this arrangement will work with Starlink, whose owner, Mr Musk, has been a vocal critic of government regulations, is yet to be seen.

Starlink’s Potential Impact in Pakistan

With Starlink getting a licence to operate in Pakistan, the service could revolutionize internet access in remote and underserved areas. The government has claimed the service was being used in areas along the Afghanistan border where land internet infrastructure is non-existent.

Since Starlink provides internet by bouncing beams from a satellite onto a receiver, it can be accessed by using a small gadget to catch signals.

A senior PTA official told Dawn that terrorist groups were using the internet through satellites by using smuggled equipment registered in the name of users in the Middle East.

Starlink’s services were even being used by IT companies, which the government claimed was illegal.

Earlier in January, a senior executive of an IT company told Dawn they were using Starlink’s internet through equipment sourced from the UK.

How Starlink Will Improve Connectivity in Pakistan

Starlink uses around 6,000 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites it has put into space to provide internet to remote locations.

The LEO technology benefits Starlink by allowing it to provide internet to users in areas not connected via fibre optic cables due to low returns on investment.

Ms Khawaja said modern solutions like satellite internet will improve connectivity in the country, mainly in remote areas.

Internet Penetration in Pakistan: The Need for Starlink

According to recent data, only 36% of Pakistan’s population has access to the internet. In rural areas, this number drops to less than 20%. Starlink’s licence to operate in Pakistan could bridge this gap by providing reliable internet to underserved regions.

Expert Opinions on Starlink’s Arrival in Pakistan

However, experts have said Starlink’s arrival in Pakistan won’t be the panacea to the country’s connectivity woes, where only 145 million out of over 240m people are connected to either mobile or fixed broadband.

In an article published in Dawn, Kazim Mujtaba, Consumer Division president at Jazz, said while Starlink will boost connectivity, it was not a replacement for mobile network operators (MNOs).

“In Pakistan, where the digital divide is exacerbated by smartphone affordability, digital literacy, and cultural barriers, terrestrial networks remain indispensable for last-mile connectivity and inclusive access,” he said.

Mr Mujtaba said the arrival of Starlink would be an opportunity for existing MNOs to partner with the company for better service delivery.

FAQs About Starlink’s Licence to Operate in Pakistan

1. What is Starlink?

Starlink is a satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. It provides high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas using a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.

2. How will Starlink benefit Pakistan?

Starlink will improve internet connectivity in remote areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking. It will also provide an alternative to existing telecom services.

3. What are the challenges for Starlink in Pakistan?

Starlink faces challenges such as regulatory compliance, security concerns, and competition from local telecom operators.

4. When will Starlink start operations in Pakistan?

Starlink has received provisional permission and is expected to complete formalities within two weeks. Operations may begin soon after.

5. Will Starlink replace mobile network operators?

No, Starlink is not a replacement for mobile network operators but a complementary service, especially for remote and underserved areas.

6. How much will Starlink cost in Pakistan?

While official pricing has not been announced, Starlink’s global pricing ranges from $120 to $500 for equipment and $70 to $110 per month for service. Prices in Pakistan may vary based on local regulations and taxes.

7. What equipment is needed to use Starlink?

Users need a Starlink kit, which includes a satellite dish, a Wi-Fi router, and cables. The dish must be installed in a location with a clear view of the sky.

8. How does Starlink compare to traditional internet providers?

Starlink offers faster speeds and lower latency compared to traditional satellite internet. However, it may be more expensive than local broadband or mobile data services.