Starlink licensing: Govt to hire consultant for developing regulatory framework
Information minister says internet in Pakistan “low in price” as compared to other countries
- Govt to hire consultant for Starlink and LEO satellite projects.
- Meeting focused on aligning satellite policies with global standards.
- IT ministry committed to developing world-class framework.
ISLAMABAD: The federal government plans to hire a consultant to finalise regulations for the satellite-based company Starlink’s internet services, owned by US billionaire Elon Musk, in Pakistan, it emerged on Tuesday.
The development was discussed during a meeting chaired by Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, focusing on advancing satellite connectivity and technology in Pakistan.
The session, which included representatives from SUPARCO, PTA, and the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board, delved into Starlink’s licensing and regulatory progress, alongside the development of a regulatory framework for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
During the meeting, it was decided to hire a consultant within the next few weeks to assist the licensing process for Starlink and LEO satellites, aiming to align Pakistan’s satellite policies with international standards.
The meeting also discussed how the use of LEO satellites could enhance connectivity and contribute to the nation’s technological advancement.
Furthermore, the IT Ministry expressed commitment to establish a regulatory framework for satellite technology that meets global benchmarks.
The meeting came a day after the state minister confirmed that the satellite-based internet-providing company Starlink was registered with the Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).
“[Following the approval] the space board authority is looking into various technical aspects and we have communicated [about this] to Starlink,” she said while speaking to Geo.tv.
The IT minister added that a regulatory regime was being worked out so that all low earth orbit (LEO) satellite companies including Starlink “is open to all international companies”.
Two days earlier, Musk confirmed that he was awaiting Islamabad’s approval to launch Starlink in Pakistan. He made the remarks while responding to messages on social media platform X by a Pakistani social media activist.
‘Pakistan’s internet low-priced’
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said that the internet in Pakistan was “low in price” as compared to several other countries.
Speaking to journalists at the opening ceremony of the Media Cricket League 2025, he rejected a report stating that Pakistan suffered massive financial losses last year due to internet outages.
“Don’t know, from where such statistics regarding the internet come from,” he said, adding that the internet has gotten better and will further improve in the coming days.
The country has been grappling with slow internet since last year alongside ban on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), with the government consistently blaming submarine cable faults, while reports hint at possible experimentation with a “firewall” by authorities.
According to a list issued by Ookla Speedtest Global Index, Pakistan was ranked 100 out of 111 countries in mobile internet speeds with a download speed of 20.61Mbps and upload speed of 8.53Mbps.
Meanwhile, the index ranked the country at 141 out of 158 countries in broadband speeds with a download speed of 15.60Mbps and upload speed of 15.53Mbps.
The matter also came into debate in both houses of parliament multiple times but to no avail. The disruption also resulted in financial losses to the country’s IT industry as well.
