SpaceX founder Elon Musk has shed light on the anticipated arrival of Starlink, the satellite-based internet service, in Pakistan. On January 4, 2025, Musk revealed via a tweet on X (formerly Twitter) that the company is currently awaiting approval from the Pakistani government to enable access to its cutting-edge internet service.
A Step Closer to Connectivity
In response to a user’s query, Musk stated, “We are waiting for approval from the government.” This comment follows growing interest in Starlink’s ability to provide high-speed internet, especially to remote and underserved regions.
The discussion around Starlink in Pakistan gained momentum after Richard Grenell, the U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s appointee for special missions, tweeted about the urgent need for Starlink’s services in Pakistan. This global attention has highlighted the potential of the service to revolutionize internet connectivity in the country.
Government’s Role and Regulatory Challenges
Shaza Fatima, Pakistan’s Minister of State for IT, confirmed that Starlink Internet Services Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. has applied for an operational license. However, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) clarified that only companies registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) are eligible for application processing.
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The PTA further explained that Starlink’s application is in its preliminary review stages, where technical evaluations like bandwidth requirements, uplink capabilities, and gateway infrastructure compatibility are being assessed. Additionally, SUPARCO (Pakistan’s National Space Agency) is reviewing the proposal under the National Space Policy framework.
Hope for the Future
The arrival of Starlink could significantly enhance internet access in Pakistan, offering faster speeds and reliable connectivity in even the most remote regions. While the process is in its early stages, the collaboration between local authorities and SpaceX hints at a promising future for digital connectivity in Pakistan.
Stay tuned for updates as Starlink inches closer to becoming a part of Pakistan’s technological landscape.
