Starlink’s much-anticipated satellite internet service in Pakistan has hit another snag, raising fresh concerns over its future in the country.
The global satellite internet provider, backed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has seen its temporary registration with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) expire, stalling its licensing process once again.
According to official sources, Starlink had obtained a temporary registration from PSARB on March 21. However, despite this initial progress, the company was unable to meet the necessary conditions for permanent registration—a key requirement set by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for acquiring an operational license. Government officials confirmed that the temporary approval lapsed in June, leaving Starlink's Pakistan launch plans in limbo.
In response, Starlink has acknowledged the regulatory setback. Company representatives stated they are currently reviewing the situation internally and are awaiting a clear policy framework from the Pakistani government. The lack of such a framework is reportedly delaying the commercial launch of Starlink's satellite internet service in the country.
This latest development follows an earlier breakthrough in March when the PTA granted Starlink a No-Objection Certificate (NOC), following a directive from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The move was seen as a positive step towards expanding digital connectivity across Pakistan, especially in remote and underserved areas.
Starlink’s efforts to bring satellite internet service to Pakistan began in February 2022 when it registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and applied for a telecom license. The application was subsequently referred to the Ministry of IT for further consultation.
Despite these hurdles, hopes remain high that Starlink's satellite internet service will eventually contribute to Pakistan’s digital transformation. However, without permanent registration from PSARB, the service cannot proceed to commercial launch.
