All Posts in #Starlink

February 4, 2025 - Comments Off on Starlink expected to operate in Pakistan by Summer 2025: Government

Starlink expected to operate in Pakistan by Summer 2025: Government

Starlink, the satellite internet network owned by Elon Musk, is expected begin operations in Pakistan by June of 2025, according to the government, as 90% of the registration process has been completed. In order to operate in Pakistan, low earth orbit (LEO) satellite operators must register with the Pakistan Space Regulatory Board after which the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority will issue licenses if successful. According to news reports, Starlink will meet the June 2025 operational target.

January 22, 2025 - Comments Off on Starlink must apologise, requires security clearance to operate in Pakistan: Senate

Starlink must apologise, requires security clearance to operate in Pakistan: Senate

The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) affirmed that Starlink, the satellite internet network owned by Elon Musk, can only receive a license to operate in Pakistan if it is granted security clearance. Speaking to the Senate Standing Committee on IT, PTA Chairman Hafee Rehman said that Starlink had applied for a license in February 2022, and that the Ministry of Interior would examine the case for security clearance. Starlink must register with the Pakistan State Bank and Pakistan’s Securities Exchange Commission (SECP) as part of the process, said the PTA Chairman.

 

Members of the Standing Committee suggested that any granting of a license to Starlink should be provisional on an apology from Musk, for what were seen as “anti-Pakistan” remarks. Senator Afnan Ullah Khan, for example, said that “rhe PTA must consider Musk’s campaign against Pakistan before issuing a license. He should apologize for his statements before any further steps are taken.” According to Samaa TV, furthermore, aside from the aforementioned wait for approval, tweets by Musk about awaiting approval could be construed as misleading and inaccurate, as they inferred direct engagement.

January 8, 2025 - Comments Off on Starlink, other LEO Licences Being Reviewed for Pakistan

Starlink, other LEO Licences Being Reviewed for Pakistan

Starlink’s license to operate in Pakistan is being reviewed, said Pakistan’s federal Minister for IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, bringing the satellite internet network owned by Elon Musk one step closer to possibly operating in Pakistan. Though the company has been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), it does not yet have a license to operate in the country.

Starlink is one of three of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) operators vying to provide satellite internetas reported by Geo TV on January 14. Satellite internet is in increasing demand, owing to ongoing internet disruptions and shutdowns, as well as internet infrastructural issues. OneWeb and Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST) are also looking to enter the Pakistani market, but as with Starlink have yet to receive licenses that permit them to operate in the country.

At present, High Earth Orbit (HEO) satellite providers do operate in (or more accurately, above) Pakistan, providing satellite television and telecommunication services to Pakistanis. Interestingly, and according to The News of Pakistan, many of the HEOs operating in Pakistan have not registered with the SECP, calling into question regulation compliance requirements.