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Starlink, the satellite internet service provider owned by Elon Musk, has officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under the name “Starlink Internet Services (Private) Limited.” This marks the company’s entry into the Pakistani market as part of its strategy to offer internet services through its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
Application for Ground Stations and Licensing
Starlink has applied to establish two or three ground stations in Pakistan as part of its strategy to offer internet services directly to customers in Pakistan through its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, according to a written response from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to the Senate Standing Committee. In order to conduct business in Pakistan, the company has applied for the appropriate licenses.
On February 24, 2022, Starlink submitted an application for an LDI license, and on April 29, 2022, the company submitted applications for 14 Local Loop licenses. Based on the information provided by the PTA, the matter was referred to the MOITT for stakeholder engagement in March 2022.
According to the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB), there have been no reports of serious interference to terrestrial networks from Starlink’s satellite constellation while it runs globally.
The National Satellite Policy 2023 and the Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024 serve as the regulatory framework for satellite-based telecommunications services in Pakistan. December 2023 saw the approval of the National Satellite Policy, which mandates that federal and provincial agencies collaborate with SUPARCO, the National Space Agency, to carry out projects related to satellites.
The registration of satellite service providers like Starlink and the issuance of the necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for licensing are the responsibilities of the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB).
As stated in the National Communications Authority Rules of 2024, all satellite service providers, whether local or foreign, are required by the PSARB to comply with national as well as international rules.
Current agreements allow existing geostationary satellite service providers to continue operations; but, once these agreements expire, they are required to transfer to registered or national satellites, as stated in Rule 35.
Impact on the Pakistani Internet Market
While reviewing Starlink’s request to set up ground stations, the PSARB is checking the satellite network’s compatibility with Pakistan’s current infrastructure and performing a technical assessment of its Earth Gateway Stations. After this process is finished, the PTA will give licenses for Starlink’s internet services, as long as all rules are followed.
Operators like PTCL supply bandwidth for point-to-point traffic transit, but direct-to-consumer services are not yet available in Pakistan, according to the PTA. However, any licensed operator in the country can offer services based on satellites.
Starlink’s entry might alter the sector by bringing high-speed internet connectivity to underdeveloped and distant areas of the country, bridging a major gap in technology.
