Elon Musk’s Starlink and Shanghai Spacecom, a Chinese satellite communications company, have both submitted applications for licenses to operate in Pakistan, with the goal of improving internet connectivity across the nation.
The applications, currently under review by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), were confirmed by Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Pakistan’s State Minister for IT and Telecommunication, on December 24, 2024. To align with Pakistan’s regulatory requirements, both companies are required to collaborate with locally registered entities.
Should the applications be approved, these satellite-based services have the potential to greatly enhance internet access, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The PTA is examining the applications via its Online Application Submission Information System (OASIS), ensuring that all necessary service quality standards are met. This move could pave the way for significant improvements in Pakistan’s internet infrastructure.
