Starlink Expands Into Pakistan: Plans for Ground Stations and High-Speed Internet Services
Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, has officially marked its entry into Pakistan by registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) as “Starlink Internet Services (Private) Limited.”
In a recent update to the Senate Standing Committee, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed that Starlink is taking significant steps to establish its presence in the country. The company has applied to build 2-3 ground stations as part of its broader plan to deliver internet services directly to Pakistani consumers via its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
Starlink has also filed for necessary licenses to operate in Pakistan, including a Long-Distance International (LDI) license on February 24, 2022, and 14 Local Loop licenses on April 29, 2022. These applications were forwarded to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MOITT) in March 2022 for stakeholder consultation.
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The Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) has confirmed that Starlink’s satellite constellation operates globally without causing harmful interference to terrestrial networks.
Pakistan’s regulatory framework for satellite-based telecommunication services is outlined in the National Satellite Policy 2023 and the Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024. The National Satellite Policy, approved in December 2023, mandates federal and provincial agencies to collaborate with the National Space Agency (SUPARCO) on satellite-related initiatives.
The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) oversees the registration of satellite service providers like Starlink and issues the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) required for licensing. According to Rule 35 of the National Communications Authority Rules of 2024, all local and foreign satellite providers must align with both local and international laws. Existing geostationary satellite providers must transition to national or registered satellites once their agreements expire.
Currently, the PSARB is conducting a technical review of Starlink’s proposed Earth Gateway Stations to evaluate their compatibility with Pakistan’s infrastructure. Upon completion of this review and compliance with regulatory requirements, the PTA will issue licenses for Starlink’s operations. At present, satellite-based internet services are offered in Pakistan only through licensed operators like PTCL, which focuses on point-to-point traffic transportation.
Starlink’s entry has the potential to revolutionize Pakistan’s telecommunications sector by providing high-speed internet to underserved and remote regions, bridging the digital divide, and addressing critical connectivity gaps.
