ISLAMABAD: IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Saturday announced that the satellite-based internet-providing company ‘Starlink’ had been registered in Pakistan. Elon Musk responded to messages on social media platform X, confirming that the company was negotiating with the government.

The IT minister has responded to queries regarding the status of Starlink’s entry into Pakistan’s internet business on the social media platform, saying, “It is registered, and the licensing is in process.”

At the same time, some enthusiasts tagged the owner of Tesla, X and Starlink, requesting him to get satellite-based internet services in Pakistan.

“Dear @elonmusk, please bring Starlink to Pakistan. Our people need better internet, especially in remote areas. Access to platforms like X is restricted here too. Starlink could connect millions, along with the hashtag ‘#StarlinkForPakistan,” wrote an enthusiast.

US-based firm needs PTA licence for launching operations

Another internet devotee wrote: “@elonmusk with Starlink, Pakistan — could leap into the future, where every citizen has the chance to connect and grow. Please, let Starlink be our bridge to tomorrow.”

Mr Musk responded on the same platform, “We are waiting for approval from the government.”

The registration process is with the National Space Agency (NSA), which is the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission.

In April 2024, the government notified ‘National Space Activities Rules 2024’, applicable to space activities carried out within the territory of Pakistan, outside the territory if they are carried out on ships, vessels, or other airborne vehicles registered in the country and every person carrying out space activities and providing Space-based Services in Pakistan.

Under the rules, the National Space Agency will be competent to enter into any agreements with foreign satellite operators to acquire, distribute, and sell foreign satellite data in Pakistan.

A senior IT ministry official said that after the registration process, the satellite data operator will engage with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to obtain a licence and initiate services.

About six operators are currently providing satellite-based internet services globally, and new players are also entering the field; these include Starlink, Amazon, Oneweb and a Chinese operator.

Meanwhile, sources in the NSA said that the Chinese company, too, has obtained information to enter Pakistan’s internet market.

Low-earth orbit satellites provide satellite-based internet services, which can provide continuous broadcast or data coverage even in remote areas where radio towers or fibre cable networks are not present.

However, the official added that only Maldives had given Starlink the license in the South and South East Asian region till now, while all countries, including India and Bangladesh, were analysing technical aspects of satellite services from Low Earth Orbit.

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2025