The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has confirmed that satellite broadband service provider Starlink has not yet obtained the required license to operate in Pakistan.
According to media reports, a recent statement submitted to the National Assembly stated that the license approval was delayed due to Starlink’s non-compliance with the technical and regulatory framework set by the government.
The ministry has also cited concerns over potential interference between geostationary satellite orbit and non-geostationary satellite orbit systems as a major factor in the delay.
Official documents show that other satellite broadband companies and operators, including Starlink, are looking to set up business in Pakistan.
However, none have yet complied with the licensing requirements for the commercial launch of their services.
Starlink, a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, is actively working to launch its services in Pakistan, having registered with Pakistan’s Securities and Exchange Commission in December 2021 as Starlink Internet Services Pakistan Private Limited.
The company applied for a long-distance and international license to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority in February 2022.
Contrary to the excitement over the possible launch of Starlink in the Pakistani market, the ministry clarified that none of the satellite broadband companies, including Starlink, have fully met the licensing requirements for commercial launch.
According to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Starlink is not the only satellite broadband provider showing interest in Pakistan, other international Low Earth Orbit and Medium Earth Orbit satellite operators have also expressed interest in operating in the country.
However, all such companies must first comply with the technical, regulatory, and security requirements set by various national agencies, including the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and the Frequency Allocation Board.
Detailed reviews by various stakeholders, including the Strategic Plans Division and the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SPARCO), have led to delays in the approval of Starlink’s license.
These entities have expressed various concerns regarding the technical, regulatory, financial, and commercial aspects of StarLink’s proposed operations.
According to media reports, despite discussions with Starlink, the company is yet to address these concerns to the satisfaction of stakeholders, resulting in a prolonged licensing process.
