Islamabad:
The Starlink Internet services in Pakistan have not yet started satellite internet services in Pakistan from Low Earth Orbit (Leo) in the wake of emerging challenges and concerns expressed by experts and the public.
According to experts, the Starlink entry depends on the resolution of regulatory, security and policies concerns, in addition to the high cost of service also represents an obstacle to general adoption among the general public and the business world.
In Pakistan, one of the key factors is its cost for users, initial and monthly. Starlink’s home plans are estimated at RS35,000 per month with unique configuration costs of 10,000 rupees, while business plans can reach 95,000 rupees with RS220,000 installation fees.
On the other hand, a local ISP offers fiber optic plans ranging from RS2,500 to Rs12,000 per month, making the starry bond unaffordable for many people due to the low economy of the country, household accessibility is not possible.
In March 2025, Starlink obtained a certificate of temporary non-object (NOC) to operate in Pakistan. However, it was not a complete license and the company had to meet all the regulatory requirements. In addition, security authorization is still pending.
Starlink did not receive the necessary security authorization from the Ministry of the Interior – a prerequisite for obtaining an operating license from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Starlink is required to comply with national regulations on space policies, which have contributed to delays.
“Starlink works independently of local FAIs and national internet gateways, users can be able to access the reprehensible content prohibited by the PTA [such as politically-sensitive websites]said Hannan Gillani, a computer expert.
“It could bypass state filters, firewalls and surveillance systems and these challenges could cause a legal and political and political counterposter for the authority of the Internet governance. Consequently, the PTA should develop a mechanism before issuing the final license to the Star bond in Pakistan,” he added.
About the payment method, Gillani said that if the subscription fees were paid in US dollar via international payment methods, such as credit cards, this would increase dollars outings of the already fragile foreign reserves of Pakistan.
Unless Starlink accepts local billing in Pakistani rupees through the channels regulated by the Pakistan State Bank (SBP), the economic burden could grow with more subscribers, “warned the IT expert.
An PTA official said that Starlink’s entry into Pakistan could considerably stimulate connectivity, in particular in the under-service and distant regions, but added that the authority carefully examines all regulatory, technical and security aspects before granting him full operational approval.
The manager has recognized that affordability remained a concern valid for users, and “we are committed to guarantee that such a service introduced to Pakistan align with our national ICT objectives and remains accessible” to the public.
