Starlink, the satellite-based internet service developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is expected to begin operations in Pakistan by November or December this year, according to Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication.
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The announcement was made during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, chaired by Aminul Haq. The minister confirmed that Starlink had been granted temporary registration to operate in Pakistan, following approval from all relevant security and regulatory bodies and the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“With the consensus of all security and regulatory bodies, Starlink has been issued a temporary no-objection certificate (NOC),” said Khawaja.
The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) has granted Starlink a temporary licence, while the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) works towards finalizing a regulatory framework for satellite internet services in the country.
The PTA chairman informed the committee that Starlink will be eligible for a full operational licence once the regulatory process is completed. The minister further clarified that there were no significant hurdles remaining and that the government had hired consultants to help shape the final regulations.
“Once the regulations are complete, Starlink will need to reapply for its full licence,” said Khawaja.
She also shared that another international player, China’s Shanghai SpaceCom, has applied for a satellite internet licence in Pakistan. The government is aiming to create a competitive environment by encouraging more companies to enter the satellite internet sector.
Starlink’s infrastructure is expected to be installed soon, enabling its services to be available across Pakistan by the end of this year. However, sources indicate that due to technical and regulatory processes, it may take up to a year for full nationwide operations.
Approval from PSARB was a key requirement for Starlink’s entry into Pakistan, as the regulatory body has addressed critical technical issues, including frequency allocation, transmission power, and the establishment of earth gateway stations.
Once operational, Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites — operating between 250 and 500 kilometers above the earth — will provide high-speed internet connectivity to underserved and remote areas across Pakistan, opening up new possibilities for digital inclusion and connectivity nationwide.
