Pakistan Eyes Digital Future with Starlink’s Satellite Internet Rollout
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has expressed strong optimism about the transformative potential of Starlink’s upcoming services in Pakistan. During a recent visit to SpaceX headquarters in Los Angeles, he emphasized that Starlink could play a crucial role in narrowing the digital divide across the country, particularly in underserved and remote regions.
Starlink, an initiative by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, provides internet access via low-Earth orbit satellites. This technology is especially beneficial for areas lacking traditional broadband infrastructure—a challenge that persists across many parts of Pakistan.
Accompanied by a delegation, Ambassador Sheikh was welcomed by Starlink’s senior leadership, including the vice president of global business operations and the director of global business development. The group toured the SpaceX facilities and discussed the strategic potential of expanding broadband services in Pakistan.
The talks centered on leveraging Starlink’s satellite capabilities to enhance internet accessibility in rural and disadvantaged areas. Ambassador Sheikh praised the partnership and highlighted its potential to revolutionize Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to fostering innovation through global collaborations, particularly in digital, space, and commercial technology sectors.
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This visit aligns with the broader initiative to strengthen technological ties between Pakistan and the United States. The Pakistani government is actively working to attract global tech players to accelerate its digital transformation.
In a related development, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja recently announced that Starlink has been granted a provisional license to operate in Pakistan. Services are expected to commence by the end of this year. She also disclosed that a Chinese firm, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology, has applied for a similar license, reflecting the government’s push for healthy competition in the satellite internet domain.
Starlink’s entry into the Pakistani market promises high-speed, reliable internet connectivity for remote regions, potentially revolutionizing access to education, healthcare, business, and communication. This milestone supports Pakistan’s broader vision of creating a digitally inclusive economy.
With growing international collaboration and official backing, Pakistan is making meaningful strides toward becoming a digitally connected nation.
