ISLAMABAD (NY Today) The launch of Starlink satellite internet in Pakistan has been confirmed and sources said that Pakistan is preparing to launch the first satellite based internet service and Elon Musk’s company will start operations in the country by the end of this year.
According to news website NY Today, Starlink has expressed its willingness to operate under Pakistan’s laws and regulatory framework and has already submitted an application for registration.
Sources further informed that the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board is currently finalizing a global satellite regulatory framework, which will serve as the basis for granting licenses to satellite internet service providers. After the completion of the framework, Starlink will be officially registered after which the operational license will be issued by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
It may be recalled that as a preparation P-SARB recently organized a workshop with satellite companies at a local hotel in which Federal Minister for IT Shahza Fatima Khawaja participated. Several industry players, including Shanghai Telecom, Amazon and OneWeb, have also expressed interest in registering for satellite internet operations in Pakistan, but Starlink is the first company to formally apply under the developing framework.
Speculations are rife that Elon Musk may personally attend the launch event in Pakistan later this year. It is also worth noting that Starlink is already operating in other South Asian countries, expected to significantly enhance internet connectivity and digital infrastructure across Pakistan, including underdeveloped and remote areas.