The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoIT&T) of Pakistan has confirmed that Starlink, a prominent satellite broadband service provider, has yet to secure the necessary license to operate in the country.
According to a recent statement submitted to the National Assembly of Pakistan, the license approval has been delayed due to Starlink’s non-compliance with the technical and regulatory framework set by the government. The ministry cited concerns over the potential interference between Geostationary Satellite Orbit (GSO) and Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) systems as a significant factor in the delay.
Official documents revealed that STARLINK and other Satellite Broadband companies/LEO Satellite operators are making significant strives to start operations in Pakistan. However, none has complied with the licensing requirements for the commercial launch of services yet.
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, has been actively pursuing the launch of its services in Pakistan, having registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) in December 2021 under the name “Starlink Internet Services Pakistan (Private) Ltd.”
The company applied for a Long Distance and International (LDI) license with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in February 2022. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Starlink’s potential entry into the Pakistani market, the Ministry clarified that no satellite broadband company, including Starlink, has fully met the licensing requirements for a commercial launch.
The Ministry further stated that Starlink is not the only satellite broadband provider showing interest in Pakistan. Other international Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite operators have also expressed a desire to operate within the country. However, all such companies must first comply with the technical, regulatory, and security requirements set by various national agencies, including the PTA and the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB).
The delay in Starlink’s license approval stems from detailed evaluations conducted by multiple stakeholders, including the Strategic Plans Division (SPD) and the Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). These agencies raised several concerns related to the technical, regulatory, financial, and commercial aspects of Starlink’s proposed operations.
Despite discussions with Starlink, the company has not yet addressed these concerns to the satisfaction of the stakeholders, resulting in a prolonged licensing process.
The National Space Policy (NSP) of Pakistan was approved by the Government of Pakistan in December 2023, followed by Pakistan Space Activity Rules (PSARB) in February 2024 which are being followed by STARLINK for necessary registration/ approvals in Pakistan and the same are equally applicable to any other NGSO/LEO operators who intend to start operations in Pakistan.
In addition to the technical and regulatory issues, the MoITT highlighted that the process was further complicated by the fact that Starlink’s application was the first of its kind in Pakistan.
The absence of a clear registration and regulatory mechanism, which was only established following the approval of Pakistan’s National Space Policy in December 2023 and the subsequent Pakistan Space Activity Rules (PSARB) in February 2024, contributed to the delay. Starlink is now required to adhere to these new regulations to continue its efforts to obtain the necessary approvals for its services in Pakistan.