Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has announced that Starlink, the satellite-based internet provider owned by Elon Musk, has officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). This landmark development sets the stage for transforming Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.
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Khawaja highlighted that the Space Board Authority is currently evaluating the technical parameters of Starlink’s operations. She stated, “A regulatory regime is being designed to ensure that all low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite companies, including Starlink, operate under a fair and inclusive policy framework, open to international competition.”
Bridging Pakistan’s Digital Divide: The announcement follows Musk’s earlier confirmation on social media platform X that he was awaiting Islamabad’s green light to bring Starlink to Pakistan. The registration signifies a pivotal shift towards embracing cutting-edge satellite technology, crucial for addressing the country’s longstanding connectivity challenges.
Government officials revealed that international consultants are actively involved in formulating a regulatory framework for managing LEO satellites. The framework aims to mitigate risks like frequency interference, while ensuring compliance with local policies. This initiative positions Pakistan as one of the few countries in the region adopting advanced satellite technology, giving it a competitive edge in global connectivity.
Addressing Pakistan’s Connectivity Crisis: Pakistan has struggled with poor internet connectivity, ranking 100th out of 111 countries for mobile internet speeds and 141st out of 158 countries for broadband, according to Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index. Mobile download speeds average 20.61 Mbps, while broadband speeds lag further at 15.60 Mbps.
Frequent internet disruptions—caused by submarine cable faults and government experiments with firewalls—have exacerbated these challenges. These issues have led to heated parliamentary debates and inflicted financial losses on Pakistan’s burgeoning IT sector, a critical driver of economic growth.
Starlink’s Promise: High-Speed, Low-Latency Internet: Starlink’s satellite internet service could revolutionize Pakistan’s digital landscape. With its constellation of LEO satellites, Starlink offers high-speed, low-latency internet, reaching even the most remote and underserved regions. This solution could alleviate the burden on undersea cables and ensure consistent connectivity, minimizing outages.
Complementing the 2Africa Submarine Cable Project: Starlink’s entry aligns with other initiatives like the 2Africa Submarine Cable System, a 45,000-kilometer project supported by global giants like Meta and Vodafone. Set to provide Pakistan with 24 terabytes of bandwidth by Q4 2025, this project represents a significant leap from the current reliance on 8 terabytes. The 2Africa cable will enhance reliability for widely used platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
A Digital Future for Pakistan: Together, Starlink and the 2Africa cable project hold the potential to address Pakistan’s persistent connectivity issues. Starlink’s ability to bypass traditional infrastructure limitations—such as damaged undersea cables and limited broadband—offers a robust alternative. Improved internet speeds and reliability could bolster the IT sector, expand digital education, and attract foreign investments.
Furthermore, enhanced connectivity can drive innovation in e-commerce, healthcare, and financial services, fueling economic growth and social development. The combination of Starlink’s satellite technology and the 2Africa project provides hope for a more connected, inclusive, and digitally empowered Pakistan.
The registration of Starlink marks a transformative milestone, promising faster and more reliable internet access for millions, and heralding a new era of digital possibilities for the nation.
