Starlink officially approved to launch Internet Services in Pakistan

Starlink, the satellite-based internet provider, has officially received a temporary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), marking a major step toward its launch in the country. Approved by the IT Ministry, this temporary clearance allows Starlink to move forward with regulatory processes required for obtaining a full license. However, before commercial operations begin, Starlink must meet additional security and infrastructure requirements, which could take up to a year. If successful, its entry could revolutionize Pakistan’s internet landscape, especially in remote areas where traditional broadband services remain limited.

When Will Starlink Be Available in Pakistan?

Even though the NOC is secured, Starlink still needs to obtain its official PTA license before it can start operations. However, don’t expect it to be available immediately. Sources say it could take up to a year before Starlink begins offering services in Pakistan. This delay is due to several factors, including regulatory approvals, infrastructure setup, and security clearances.

A major discussion between PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman and Starlink officials at the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona also played a key role in shaping Starlink’s roadmap for Pakistan.

Starlink’s entry into Pakistan has the potential to change the internet landscape, especially in rural and remote areas where traditional broadband services are unreliable or completely unavailable. With its satellite-based internet, Starlink can bypass the challenges of fiber-optic infrastructure and provide high-speed connectivity anywhere in the country.

The PTA has shown its commitment to enabling new technologies, but before Starlink can fully launch, it must complete its registration with the relevant satellite regulatory body. This is a critical step before PTA grants a satellite-based internet service license.

Expected Starlink Packages & Pricing in Pakistan

While there is no confirmed launch date yet, reports suggest that Starlink will offer three internet plans in Pakistan:

• Residential Package – Rs35,000/month (50-250 Mbps) + Rs110,000 one-time hardware cost.

• Business Package – Rs95,000/month + Rs220,000 one-time setup fee.

• Mobility Package – Rs50,000/month + Rs120,000 hardware cost.

These prices are significantly higher than what most Pakistanis pay for internet, raising concerns about affordability. While Starlink’s speed and reliability are undeniable, its high costs may limit its reach to businesses, remote workers, and affluent users rather than the general public.

Challenges Ahead for Starlink in Pakistan

Even with the NOC and an eventual PTA license, Starlink will have to navigate multiple obstacles before rolling out services, including:

1. Building Ground Stations – Starlink needs to set up infrastructure on the ground to support its satellite internet.

2. Security Clearances – Given Pakistan’s strict regulatory environment, security approvals will be a major factor.

3. Integration with Local Networks – Starlink must ensure its service works smoothly alongside Pakistan’s existing telecom infrastructure.

Additionally, satellite internet services operate under a different regulatory framework than traditional fiber or cellular networks. This means Starlink will require further spectrum allocations and additional approvals, which could slow down the launch.

What This Means for Pakistan’s Internet Market

Despite the hurdles, Starlink’s entry into Pakistan is expected to shake up the broadband industry. Competition is likely to push existing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to improve their services, leading to better options for consumers. If Starlink manages to lower its prices over time, it could become a viable option for a much larger segment of the population.

For now, Pakistanis eager to experience high-speed satellite internet will have to wait—but the good news is that Starlink is officially on its way.