The Standing Committee on Information Technology & Telecommunication has directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to accelerate the approval process for Starlink’s internet services in Pakistan, according to a statement from the National Assembly Secretariat.
Regulatory Hurdles & Delays
PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman informed the committee that Starlink first approached Pakistan in 2022 to offer satellite-based internet services. However, its case with the Pakistan Space Regulatory Authority is still under review.
“Until the license agreement is finalized, Starlink cannot provide internet services in Pakistan,” Rehman stated.
The Standing Committee has now instructed PTA to expedite negotiations with Starlink to ensure that its services become available in the country without further delays.
Elon Musk & Starlink’s Pending Approval
Last month, tech billionaire Elon Musk confirmed that Starlink had applied for an operational license in Pakistan and was waiting for the government’s approval.
“We are waiting for approval from the [Pakistan] government,” Musk said in response to a post on X (formerly Twitter).
With growing demand for high-speed satellite internet, stakeholders are pushing for swift regulatory clearance to improve connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved areas of Pakistan.
