Starlink Registers in Pakistan, Aims to Set Up Ground Stations for Internet Service
Elon Musk’s Starlink has applied to establish ground stations in Pakistan, marking the company’s move to provide direct satellite internet services. The company has registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan and is awaiting approval to set up operations.
Elon Musk’s company, Starlink, has officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under the name “Starlink Internet Services (Private) Limited.” As part of its expansion plan, Starlink has applied to establish 2-3 ground stations across Pakistan to deliver high-speed internet directly to Pakistani consumers via its constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This move comes in response to growing demand for broadband services, particularly in underserved and remote areas of the country.
In a written statement to the Senate Standing Committee, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed that Starlink had submitted applications for the necessary licenses to operate in Pakistan. The company applied for a Long-Distance International (LDI) license on February 24, 2022, and for 14 Local Loop licenses on April 29, 2022. These applications were forwarded to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MOITT) in March 2022 for further consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) has also verified that Starlink’s satellite network operates globally without causing any interference to terrestrial communication systems. This is an important step in ensuring compatibility with Pakistan’s existing infrastructure.
The regulatory framework for satellite-based telecommunication services in Pakistan is outlined by the National Satellite Policy of 2023 and the Pakistan Space Activities Rules of 2024. The National Satellite Policy, approved in December 2023, mandates collaboration between federal and provincial agencies under the guidance of the National Space Agency (SUPARCO). Furthermore, the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) is tasked with registering satellite service providers like Starlink and issuing the necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for licensing.
According to the regulations, all local and international satellite service providers must adhere to both local and international laws as defined by the National Communications Authority Rules of 2024. Existing geostationary satellite operators are permitted to continue their operations but will eventually be required to transition to national or registered satellite systems once their current agreements expire.
At present, Starlink’s application to set up ground stations in Pakistan is under review by the PSARB, which is conducting a technical evaluation of its Earth Gateway Stations and analyzing the compatibility of Starlink’s satellite network with the country’s communication infrastructure. Upon successful completion of this review, the PTA will grant Starlink the necessary licenses to begin providing internet services, assuming all regulatory requirements are met.
While satellite-based services are available through licensed operators in Pakistan, direct-to-consumer services remain unavailable. Currently, companies like PTCL provide bandwidth for point-to-point traffic transportation. Starlink’s entry into the market could potentially revolutionize the broadband landscape by expanding internet access to underserved regions and bridging the digital divide in Pakistan.