Starlink Eyes Pakistan Despite Regulatory Hurdles

In a bid to enhance Pakistan's internet connectivity, the country is holding talks with Elon Musk's Starlink to bring satellite internet services to the country. The potential agreement is still in its initial stages, with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reviewing the technical requirements and the National Space Agency examining the proposal under the national space policy.

The talks come as neither side has released any additional information about the proposed deal. However, sources suggest that the PTA is focusing on bandwidth, uplinking, and gateways before issuing a license to Starlink. This is a crucial step, as the company's satellite internet services require specific technical infrastructure to operate efficiently. The PTA is said to be reviewing the requirements meticulously before making any decision.

These developments are not new, as previous attempts by Starlink to enter the Pakistan market have faced regulatory challenges. The company's proposal to launch its services in the country was delayed due to concerns over interference with Pakistan's geostationary satellite PakSAT-MM1. Despite these setbacks, Starlink remains committed to expanding its services to Pakistan, with Elon Musk confirming that the company has applied for permission to launch its services in the country.

Pakistan is in dire need of better internet connectivity, having suffered losses of $1.62 billion in 2024 due to internet outages. According to a report by Top10VPN.com, the country was ranked as the most affected country by internet shutdowns, with 88,788 hours of global internet disruption resulting in a $7.69 billion financial loss.

By leveraging its satellite technology, Starlink could bring fast, reliable, and global internet connectivity to millions of people in Pakistan, bridging the digital divide and enhancing opportunities for education and economic development. Additionally, Starlink's technology has the potential to alleviate the country's reliance on internet cables, which, in 2024, saw 80% of faulty cable traffic diverted to other lines.

The proposed agreement between Pakistan and Starlink offers a glimpse of hope for the country's struggling internet infrastructure. As the negotiations progress, it remains to be seen whether Starlink will be able to overcome the regulatory hurdles and establish its presence in the Pakistani market.