Starlink Satellite Internet Launch in Pakistan Confirmed

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is gearing up to launch its first satellite-based internet service, with Elon Musk’s Starlink expected to begin operations in the country by the end of this year.

Starlink has expressed its willingness to operate under Pakistan’s laws and regulatory framework and has already submitted an application for registration with the national authorities.

Sources indicate that the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (P-SARB) is currently finalizing an international satellite regulatory framework, which will serve as the basis for granting licenses to satellite internet service providers. Once the framework is completed, Starlink will be formally registered with the board, followed by the issuance of an operational license by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

In preparation, P-SARB recently conducted a workshop with satellite companies at a local hotel, which was attended by Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja. Industry giants, including Shanghai Telecom, Amazon, and OneWeb, have also shown interest in registering for satellite internet operations in Pakistan. However, Starlink remains the first company to have formally applied under the developing framework.

There is speculation that Elon Musk may personally attend the launch event in Pakistan later this year. Starlink, which is already operational in other South Asian countries, is expected to significantly enhance internet connectivity and digital infrastructure across Pakistan, especially in underserved and remote areas.

Read more: Starlink Could Bridge the Digital Divide of Internet Access in Remote Areas

Officials believe that the availability of Starlink’s satellite internet services will boost Pakistan’s digitalization efforts, expand connectivity, and contribute to economic growth by increasing revenue streams. They also confirmed that Starlink’s operations pose no security threat to the country’s national agencies.