The Minister of Information and Telecommunications Technologies, Shaza Fatima, said that the Starlink Internet services in SpaceX should become operational in Pakistan by November or December of this year.
The announcement was made at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly on IT and telecommunications, chaired by MNA Aminul Haque. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed the License Process Committee for Starlink.
The president of the PTA confirmed that Starlink had obtained a temporary license by the Space Board, adding that a complete operational license would be issued once the regulatory executives are finalized.
“There is no problem with the license process,” said Minister Shaza Fatima, clarifying that Internet satellite is a new technology and various aspects necessary to be evaluated in depth. “A consultant has been hired to finalize the regulations. Once finished, Starlink will have to reapplicate,” she added.
The Minister also revealed that a Chinese company had submitted a similar request to provide satellite internet services in Pakistan. “Shanghai Spacecom is also in the queue. We want to open the Internet sector of space for several players to ensure competition,” she said.
The Minister confirmed that the installation of infrastructure was underway and that the Starlink services should be launched in the last quarter of 2025.
