Starlink Clears Regulatory Hurdles in Pakistan, Poised to Launch Satellite Internet Services

Islamabad, Pakistan: In a significant step toward enhancing digital connectivity, Pakistan has granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

The approval, issued by the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board, marks a major milestone in the country’s efforts to bridge the digital divide, particularly in remote and underserved regions such as Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

According to official sources, Starlink has successfully fulfilled all regulatory requirements, including clearance from the Ministry of Interior. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is now expected to issue the final license within the next two weeks, allowing the company to commence operations in the country.

Starlink has already completed three of the four registration stages, having secured approvals from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board. The final step involves formal registration with the PTA.

The introduction of Starlink’s satellite internet services is expected to revolutionize connectivity in Pakistan, particularly in areas where traditional internet infrastructure has been inadequate or nonexistent.

Regions like Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, which have long struggled with poor internet access due to their challenging terrain, stand to benefit significantly.

Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite technology promises to deliver high-speed internet to even the most remote locations, enabling access to education, healthcare, e-commerce, and other critical services.

A spokesperson for the PTA confirmed that the authority is currently reviewing Starlink’s technical and business plans to ensure compliance with local regulations. The PTA has also assured that Starlink’s services will not interfere with existing telecommunications networks in the country.

The move is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to accelerate its digital transformation and improve internet penetration, which currently lags behind in rural and mountainous areas. By leveraging satellite internet technology, Pakistan aims to connect millions of unserved and underserved citizens, fostering economic growth and social development.

Starlink’s entry into the Pakistani market is also being closely watched by other nations facing similar connectivity challenges. If successful, the initiative could serve as a model for deploying satellite internet in geographically difficult regions worldwide.

For the residents of Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, Starlink’s arrival represents a long-awaited opportunity to overcome the limitations of traditional internet infrastructure.

Local communities have expressed optimism about the potential benefits, including improved access to online education, telemedicine, and global markets.

As Pakistan prepares to welcome Starlink, the development underscores the growing importance of satellite internet in addressing global connectivity gaps.

With the final regulatory hurdles nearing completion, Starlink is expected to begin operations in Pakistan in the coming weeks, bringing high-speed internet to some of the country’s most isolated regions.

This is a developing story, and further updates will follow as Starlink moves closer to launching its services in Pakistan.