Elon Musk’s Starlink Set To Launch Services In Pakistan Soon

• Elon Musk’s Starlink will be entered soon in Pakistan after passing certain security requirements.
• The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology raised concern over Musk’s Satellite services in Pakistan.
• The concerns include security, licensing, and Musk’s controversial remarks against Pakistan.

Starlink’s progress in Pakistan:

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed the Senate committee that Starlink could begin operations after obtaining security clearance. It also informed that Long Distance and International (LDI) and Local Loop (LL)  licences are also mandatory for satellite-based internet services in Pakistan.

Also Read: Pakistan Reaches 193 Million Cellular Subscribers

It should also be in notice that Starlink Internet Services Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd has already registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). Moreover, PTA plans to offer internet services through its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and establish 2-3 ground stations in Pakistan.

Key licensing and security challenges:

In February 2022, Starlink applied for an LDI licence and an LL licence in April 2022, Hafeez-ur-Rehman, the Chairman of PTA, said. He also said that Starlink services must comply with Pakistan’s licensing framework and security requirements. However, the IT ministry is currently reviewing the case.

Controversy over Elon Musk’s remarks:

During the Senate Standing Committee on IT, Chairperson Palwasha Khan raised concerns. She threw light on Elon Musk’s previous anti-Pakistan remarks. She recalled Musk’s comments about grooming gangs in the UK, which he declared Pakistani gangs. 

Senator Afnanullah Khan proposed that Starlink’s licence should only be given when Musk publicly apologised for what he said before regarding Pakistan. He stressed that Pakistan should not overlook such campaigns before allowing Starlink to operate.

National space policy and regulatory framework:

The Senate Standing Committee reviewed all National Satellite Policy in December 2023. The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) oversees all satellite service providers, including Starlink. However, Officials confirmed that Starlink’s application is under review.

Starlink’s entry into Pakistan could revolutionize internet access, particularly in remote areas. However, the company must navigate regulatory, security, and political challenges before launching its services.