According to The Associated Press of Pakistan, Federal Minister for Information Technology (IT) and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja stated on Monday that Starlink services should be up and running by November or December of this year.
Among those who offer internet via Low Earth Orbit satellites, Starlink Services – owned by tech billionaire Elon Mush – is among the most technologically advanced enterprises in the world.
According to a statement from the IT ministry, the satellite based internet service was given a temporary No Objection Certificate (NOC) to operate in Pakistan last month.
It was verified that licensing arrangements are almost finalized during a briefing with the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT on Monday.
Major General (retired) Hafeezur Rehman, chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, told the committee that Starlink had received a temporary NOC from the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board to operate in Pakistan. “It will be granted a full license to operate once regulations are finalized”.
The IT minister said that there are no licensing issues when Committee Chairman Aminul Haq questioned why Starlink had not yet received a complete license.
She replied, “Satellite Internet is a new technology and many people looked into its different aspects”. “To assist in finalizing the regulations, a consultant has been engaged. Starlink will need to submit a new application after they are finalized.
“Starlink’s services will be accessible in November or December 2025 following the installation of its infrastructure”, Shaza stated.
The IT minister went on to say that other satellite-based internet companies were also interested in entering the Pakistani market, in addition to Starlink.
Without naming the company, she stated, “We have a Chinese company that has also applied for satellite internet”.
