In a surprising move, Jazz, one of Pakistan’s largest telecom operators, has launched a subtle yet unmistakable defense against Starlink’s entry into the Pakistani market. In an article penned by the President of Jazz’s Consumer Division and published in major newspapers, the telecom giant attempts to frame Starlink as a mere “complement” to existing mobile networks rather than a direct competitor. But the question remains—why is Jazz so eager to downplay Starlink’s potential?
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Starlink: A Threat or Just an Unwelcome Guest?: Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, has been making waves across the globe, offering high-speed internet to underserved regions, bypassing traditional telecom infrastructure. In Pakistan, where over 19% of the population still lacks internet access due to poor network coverage, Starlink presents an opportunity to bridge the digital divide.
However, Jazz seems uneasy about this new player in town. The article argues that Starlink cannot replace mobile network operators (MNOs) and instead should work alongside them. But analysts believe this is less about promoting collaboration and more about Jazz protecting its long-standing monopoly.
“Jazz and other telecom companies have enjoyed a near-total grip on Pakistan’s internet for years, charging high prices for inconsistent services. Now, with Starlink offering a direct-to-user alternative, they’re scrambling to control the narrative,” said a telecom industry expert.
The Real Fear: Losing the Monopoly on Internet Access: For decades, Pakistani telecom users have struggled with slow internet speeds, frequent call drops, and unreliable services. While companies like Jazz have expanded coverage, their services in rural areas remain patchy at best. Starlink, with its satellite-based technology, threatens to expose the limitations of these traditional networks.
Jazz’s repeated claim that Starlink “cannot replace MNOs” sounds more like self-reassurance than fact. In reality, in areas where Jazz has failed to provide reliable service, Starlink could be the perfect alternative. If users can get fast, uninterrupted internet from a satellite, why would they stick with a telecom provider notorious for slow speeds and frequent disconnections?
Regulatory Hurdles: Jazz’s Secret Weapon?: Another key focus of Jazz’s article is regulation. The company emphasizes the need for a “balanced regulatory environment,” which, in telecom industry language, often means lobbying for rules that make competition harder.
In other countries, telecom giants have used regulatory barriers to slow down Starlink’s rollout. In India, for example, traditional telecom companies successfully pressured the government to delay Starlink’s licensing process. If Jazz is following the same playbook, Pakistan could see unnecessary bureaucratic roadblocks preventing people from accessing a better internet alternative.
Consumers Deserve Better, Not Corporate Panic: For years, Pakistani consumers have endured poor telecom services with little choice. Now that a viable alternative like Starlink is on the horizon, the biggest telecom player in the country appears more focused on defending its market position than improving its services.
Instead of wasting energy trying to “educate” the public on why Starlink isn’t a threat, Jazz should focus on fixing its own issues—unreliable connectivity, expensive packages, and poor customer service. If their services were truly up to standard, they wouldn’t need to fear competition.
Starlink’s arrival presents a real chance to revolutionize Pakistan’s digital landscape. Whether Jazz chooses to embrace innovation or cling to outdated defenses will determine the future of connectivity in the country. But one thing is certain—consumers won’t be fooled by corporate fearmongering disguised as industry insight.
