Starlink Applies to Set Up Ground Stations in Pakistan
Elon Musk’s company, Starlink, has officially entered the Pakistani market by registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under the name “Starlink Internet Services (Private) Limited.”
According to a written statement provided by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to the Senate Standing Committee, Starlink has submitted plans to establish 2-3 ground stations in Pakistan. These stations are part of its broader strategy to deliver internet services directly to Pakistani users through its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network. The company has also applied for the necessary licenses required to operate within the country.
Starlink applied for a Long-Distance International (LDI) license on February 24, 2022, and 14 Local Loop licenses on April 29, 2022. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the applications were forwarded to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MOITT) in March 2022 for stakeholder consultation.
The Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) has confirmed that Starlink’s satellite constellation operates globally without causing harmful interference to terrestrial networks.
Satellite-based telecommunication services in Pakistan are governed by the National Satellite Policy 2023 and the Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024. The National Satellite Policy, approved in December 2023, requires federal and provincial agencies to collaborate under the guidance of the National Space Agency (SUPARCO) to implement satellite initiatives.
The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) oversees the registration of satellite service providers, including Starlink, and issues the required No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for licensing. Under PSARB’s regulations, all local and international satellite service providers must comply with local and international laws outlined in the National Communications Authority Rules 2024.
Existing geostationary satellite service providers can continue operations under their current agreements but must transition to national or registered satellites after these agreements expire, as stated in Rule 35.
Starlink’s application to establish ground stations in Pakistan is under review by PSARB. The board is conducting a technical evaluation of Starlink’s Earth Gateway Stations and assessing the compatibility of its satellite network with Pakistan’s existing infrastructure. Once the review is complete, and all regulatory requirements are met, the PTA will grant licenses for Starlink to provide internet services in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) noted that while licensed operators in Pakistan can provide satellite-based telecommunication services, direct-to-consumer offerings are currently unavailable. Instead, operators like PTCL primarily supply bandwidth for point-to-point traffic transportation.
Starlink’s entry has the potential to revolutionize the sector by delivering high-speed internet to underserved and remote areas, helping bridge the country’s significant digital divide.