Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, has officially registered with Pakistan’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SECP), marking a significant step toward its entry into the country. Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, confirmed the development, stating that the Space Board Authority is assessing technical aspects and a regulatory framework is being developed to accommodate low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite services for international players.
The government is working with international consultants to establish policies for managing LEO satellites, addressing concerns like frequency interference. Pakistan is also set to benefit from the 2Africa Submarine Cable System, expected to boost internet speeds significantly. Facilitated by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Transworld Associates, the system will provide 24 terabytes of bandwidth, vastly improving connectivity and digital platform performance by 2025.
Pakistan’s internet infrastructure struggles with slow speeds and frequent disruptions, ranking 100th in mobile internet and 141st in broadband speeds globally. Starlink’s launch could transform connectivity in underserved areas, enhancing educational and economic opportunities. However, regulatory hurdles and security concerns remain key factors in the final approval process.
