The Starlink logo is seen on a smartphone in front of the Ukrainian flag displayed in this illustration taken February 27, 2022. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
ISLAMABAD:
The government has delayed issuing a license to Starlink to operate in Pakistan, citing concerns over data security, the ongoing fallout between Musk and Trump and growing competition from Chinese satellite companies, a pause that reflects Islamabad’s growing caution over who controls the country’s digital skies.
Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, is among several companies seeking to enter Pakistan’s satellite internet market, but officials say unresolved security and geopolitical considerations have slowed the approval process.
Sources told The Express PK Press Club that the government had learned that Starlink could transmit some data while bypassing Pakistan’s surveillance, regulatory and security controls.
“We cannot authorize a license for Starlink without ensuring a security check to ensure the safety of consumer data in Pakistan,” a senior government official said.
Officials further said that the spat between US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk had also become another reason why the Pakistani establishment was not ready to grant security clearance, fearing that it would cause displeasure with US President Donald Trump.
Starlink is one of five companies currently battling to launch satellite internet services in Pakistan. The companies have applied for licenses to deploy satellite internet services in the country.
President Trump and Musk had enjoyed good relations in the past, but then came into conflict.
Pakistan and the United States have enjoyed improved relations since Trump returned to power and, therefore, Pakistan does not want to take any action that could cause concern in Washington.
“But the real reason is that the government tested some cases in which Starlink was supposed to retrieve sensitive data while providing satellite internet services,” sources said, adding that the government was working to resolve the issue, which delayed granting a license to Starlink.
Currently, Pakistan retains control over internet data with the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) being the majority shareholder in the submarine cable infrastructure. However, authorities are concerned that they do not have similar control over satellite internet data and that foreign companies, including Starlink, could be involved in data theft.
Sources further said that the satellite services would mainly be provided in remote areas such as Balochistan, where conventional internet services are either limited or unavailable.
Currently, relevant authorities are able to monitor internet services and can even suspend connectivity in case of security concerns. However, authorities fear they will have difficulty blocking satellite services when necessary.
Telecom operator Starlink has completed technical preparatory work for the launch of satellite internet services in Pakistan, but the regulatory framework remains unfinished.
Currently, five companies are seeking licenses for satellite internet services in Pakistan, with plans to invest millions of dollars in the country.
According to the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB), five companies, including Starlink and Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology Limited (SSST), have shown keen interest in providing satellite internet services.
Other companies include OneWeb (Eutelsat Group), Amazon Group’s Project Kuiper and Canadian satellite company Telesat. These companies are also willing to launch satellite internet services in Pakistan and have reportedly completed much of the groundwork.
Chinese companies already have greater penetration in Pakistan than American companies. Chinese companies are also looking to enter Pakistan’s satellite internet market and view Starlink as a direct competitor.
However, the registration process remains pending with the PSARB board, which is yet to finalize the licensing regime.
According to PSARB officials, the government has completed consultations with stakeholders, but needs more time to put security mechanisms in place before allowing the launch of satellite internet services.
