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On Monday, Information Technology (IT) Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed that the Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) had registered the satellite-based internet provider Starlink, which is owned by Elon Musk.
The IT minister has responded to inquiries regarding the status of Starlink’s entry into Pakistan’s internet business on the social media platform. saying, “It is registered, and the licensing is in process.”
“[Following the approval] the space board authority is looking into various technical aspects and we have communicated [about this] to Starlink,” she stated.
Furthermore, the IT minister said, a regulatory regime was being worked out so that all low earth orbit (LEO) satellite companies including Starlink “is open to all international companies”.
The development occurred two days after Musk announced that he was awaiting Islamabad’s sanction to launch Starlink in Pakistan. He made the comments in response to messages posted by a Pakistani social media activist on X.
The satellite data operator will collaborate with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to acquire a license and commence services following the registration process.
Currently, approximately six operators worldwide offer satellite-based internet services, and new players are also entering the market. These players include Starlink, Amazon, Oneweb, and a Chinese operator.
Satellite-based internet services are provided by low-earth orbit satellites, which can provide continuous broadcast or data coverage in remote locations without the presence of radio towers or fiber cable networks.
