Pakistan to Get Starlink Internet Within 6 Months, Reveals IT & Telecom Secretary

In a recent meeting of Pakistanโ€™s Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, officials confirmed that Starlink is moving closer to receiving its operating license. Parliamentary Secretary for IT and Telecom, Sabin Ghauri, revealed that Starlink applied for a license in February 2022, but at the time, Pakistan lacked the regulatory framework to process it. Now, with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) working under the Strategic Plans Division (SPD), 90% of discussions with Starlink have been completed. Ghauri stated that the licensing process is expected to conclude within a few months, paving the way for Starlinkโ€™s operations in Pakistan within six months.

Three Years of Delays Frustrate Committee Members

Despite the progress, committee members expressed frustration over the prolonged process. Committee Chairman Aminul Haque noted that during his tenure as minister, the Starlink case was approved within days and forwarded for further action. However, since then, no significant progress has been made. He criticized the bureaucratic delays, stating that from 2022 to 2025, discussions have dominated without concrete outcomes.

The Standing Committee has now issued directives to fast-track Starlinkโ€™s licensing process, urging the federal government to take immediate action. Haque also pointed out that another satellite company had applied for a license, signaling growing competition in Pakistanโ€™s satellite internet sector.

Data Security Concerns Loom Over Starlinkโ€™s Arrival

While Starlinkโ€™s potential launch is an exciting prospect for improving connectivity, Committee Member Engineer Rana Atiq raised concerns about data security. He stressed the need for caution, stating, โ€œProtection of user data is important for all of us.โ€ These concerns align with global debates on satellite internet security, as countries grapple with the implications of private entities handling sensitive data.

 

If Starlink successfully launches in Pakistan, it could be a game-changer, especially for remote and underserved regions struggling with unreliable internet. However, regulatory hurdles and security concerns will play a crucial role in shaping its impact. For now, all eyes are on the licensing process and whether Starlink can finally take off in Pakistan as promised.

Also read:

Starlink Needs Security Clearance and Licenses to Operate in Pakistan: Chairman PTA

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