A number of IT companies are using Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, for uninterrupted internet despite being illegal in Pakistan.
A senior representative from an IT firm shared with ProPakistani that many IT companies in Pakistan are increasingly relying on Starlink to ensure stable internet connectivity, especially for maintaining seamless communication with their international clients.
“Our company sourced the equipment from the UK,” he stated, noting that the standard residential plan costs £79 per month, while the basic business plan begins at £110 per month.
“However, we got the business package upgraded that cost to around £750 per month,” the executive added, “The rates are very high compared to the regular internet rates available locally, but we have the confidence of smooth business operations, as the speed of internet at Starlink was satisfactory for us,” he added.
Since Starlink has no service structure in Pakistan, the IT companies were paying the monthly subscription charges abroad.
Starlink is the most technologically advanced company globally, providing internet services through Low Earth Orbit (LEO), and has recently registered as a company in the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).
Currently, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are getting internet from 13 high-orbit satellites, while four such satellites provide communication facilities to the TV channels in the country which have licenses from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).
A senior government official stated that work is underway to develop a regulatory framework for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites aimed at improving connectivity and fostering technological advancements in the country.
The official further explained that the government aims to address the internet demand-supply gap and expand access to unconnected regions through satellite-based internet services.
Satellites orbit the Earth at a distance of around 3,600 kilometers from the surface. Whereas Starlink has released a large number of LEOs that circle the earth between 300-500 KM over the ground level.
On the other hand, a senior official of PTA said that the usage of services like Starlink in Pakistan without the appropriate regulatory approval is illegal, and PTA can take actions against them like PEMRA takes actions against the illegal DTH users.
According to the Ministry of IT and Telecom, a delegation of Starlink on Tuesday held a meeting with the Minister of State for IT & Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja and the two sides discussed the progress on Starlinks licensing as well as the development of regulatory frameworks for (LEO) satellites.
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If you have actually seen videos of People using Starlink for a Substantial amount of time you’d know that it’s no way less Disruptive than existing 4g Wireless, or Wired internet. It has frequent disconnections throughout the day. and Speed varies ALOT to the point that sometimes you can barely have video call on it. So paying $750 a month is not so wise. but since it’s a Startup, that explain everything. Startups Love to Spend money frivolously cuz they typically have little to NO regard for VC money and as long as Spigot is open, they’ll spend money with Absurd Justifications like this.
That’s Not True about starlink. I have used Starlink in Other Countries. The Problem is entirely Shit Internet Policies of Pakistan by the Ministers. Losing Permanent Clients or Repeating Clients vs paying 750 usd. We Dont even have a Choice. I dont use Starlink in Pakistan but i am Startup Owner & CTO. Straight Forward , We have lost 3 Permanent Clients. It Takes Super long Time to build these
but still its good for remote area where you don’t have any reception and specially good for disaster situations like floods
Yeap that’s the Best use case for Starlink: The Remote Areas!
Yes 750£ in remote areas . Right itself amir Kaun hai remote areas main ?
Starlink satellites are not covering our region at the moment, which explains the poor connectivity. More satellites will be online soon. Starlink is the future—areas already covered by Starlink satellites enjoy 24/7 high-speed internet access.
Source ? Proof ?
It will never work legally in Pakistan.The Army and Govt can never ever allow a control free use of internet in Pakistan. And since there is no way to manipulate this kind of internet traffic, it will never be allowed. Ofcourse you can somehow smuggle the Startlink equipment and probably get it working under some close territory where it is permitted (Not personally tested though)
If they met with Shaza then Starkink is going to drown very soon. If a person like her dont know the reason behind the slow internet services and blaming the high usage of VPNs is the reason, then that kind of highly qualified person must bring a storm in Internet Industry.
Imagine that or IT minister saying Elon that our internet is slow because people using vpn. How loud can Elon laugh?
Lol the note users the slower the speed. Funny how they admitted they are using it illegally .
satellite internet doesn’t work well during cloudy weather , rain