Starlink’s Regulatory Journey in Pakistan Unfolds

SpaceX’s satellite #internet service, STARLINK, has officially registered in #Pakistan with the SECP as “Starlink Internet Services (Private) Limited.” The #company plans to establish two to three #ground #stations in the country to provide #satellite-based internet access.

#Starlink first applied for a long-distance international (LDI) license on February 24, 2022, and 14 Local Loop (LL) #licenses on April 29, 2022. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has forwarded these applications to the Ministry of IT and Telecom Pakistan for #stakeholder #input.

Under the National Satellite Policy 2023, which governs satellite-based telecommunications in Pakistan, coordination is required between federal and provincial agencies, as well as the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Comission (SUPARCO). The Senate Standing Committee on IT, chaired by Palwasha Khan, was informed this week that Starlink’s #launch depends on completing the security #clearance and obtaining the required licenses.

PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman expressed hope that the #regulatory process would be resolved within a month. However, some committee #members raised concerns about granting licenses, referencing Elon Musk’s recent controversial #statements. A suggestion was made to make the licensing conditional upon a public apology from Musk for his remarks against Pakistan.