Elon Musk’s satellite-based Starlink internet service is expected to debut in Pakistan with a premium pricing model for residential users. Industry sources indicate that residential customers will likely pay a monthly subscription fee ranging from Rs. 6,800 to Rs. 28,000 (approximately USD 24 to USD 100) for internet speeds between 50 to 250 Mbps. Additionally, users will incur a one-time hardware cost of around Rs. 97,000 (about USD 350) for the required equipment before service activation.
Starlink’s pricing strategy involves adjusting costs to align with local purchasing power, demand, and existing telecommunications pricing structures. This approach ensures that services are competitively priced within each market.
Commercial Pricing in Pakistan
Businesses and commercial entities requiring higher internet speeds, between 100 and 500 Mbps, are expected to face monthly subscription fees ranging from Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 95,000 (approximately USD 286 to USD 339). Hardware installation for commercial setups is estimated to cost around Rs. 220,000 (about USD 786).
Regulatory Requirements
Starlink has registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the Ministry of IT and Telecom. However, the company still needs to obtain a license from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and register with the National Space Agency before officially launching its operations.
Cheapest Price Globally
Starlink’s satellite-based internet service offers its lowest price globally in Zambia, with a monthly subscription cost of ZMW 507 (approximately USD 24). This makes Zambia the most affordable market for Starlink services.
Pricing in Other Countries
- United States: One of the most expensive markets for Starlink, with monthly prices around USD 120, significantly higher than in Zambia.
- Nigeria: Monthly cost started at around USD 24 but was recently doubled following an increase in demand.
- Malaysia: Monthly cost is MYR 199 (approximately USD 45), similar to that of the Philippines.
- Philippines: Monthly pricing stands at PHP 2,700 (about USD 48), close to Malaysia.
- Australia: Residential plans cost AUD 139 per month (approximately USD 90).
- Austria: Current monthly fee is EUR 50 (about USD 55), reduced from previously higher rates.
Factors Influencing Price Variations
- Speed Variations: Download speeds vary across countries, influencing pricing.
- Geographic Location: Proximity to infrastructure and satellites impacts cost.
- Local Market Conditions: Prices are adjusted based on local economic conditions.
- Service Quality: Higher quality services justify increased prices.
- Infrastructure Costs: Deployment and maintenance expenses contribute to cost differences.
Overview of Starlink Services
- Satellite Internet: Provides high-speed internet globally via a network of satellites.
- Global Coverage: Available in over 70 countries worldwide.
- Equipment Requirements: Users need a satellite dish and modem for connection.
- Data Plans: Offers unlimited data at varying speeds.
- Business Plans: Higher-tier options available for commercial use with additional features.
While Starlink’s pricing in Pakistan is expected to be slightly higher compared to markets like Zambia and Nigeria, its entry could offer unparalleled internet speeds and connectivity options, especially for regions with limited broadband infrastructure. The premium pricing reflects the advanced technology and infrastructure Starlink brings, catering to both residential and commercial needs. The global pricing and service availability provide additional context to Starlink’s strategy, highlighting its adaptability to different markets.
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Told you .
Expensive . Less speed since you can’t get 100 mbps constantly and the device costs over 1 lac RS
the device is not weather resistant and any damage is your fault . Starlink doesn’t cover the costs .
Wah wah elon musk the guy that hates pakistan is being given priority. Truly we failed . Israel is far more independent then so called Lumber 1 . 😆
Disclaimer.. I’m not a corporate shill.
1. Just checked and Starlink is IP56 rated. Pretty good for outdoor usage.
2. Other option for majority of Pakistan is PTCL, jinka dp wala dabba is probably not even rated at all.
3. Ka & ku both are impacted by weather but if the experience was so bad then starlink wouldn’t have survived globally. Yet we see it everywhere.
4. I remember Nayatel faced same high initial cost criticism back in late 2000s. But over time its well adjusted..
Competition is good, of course don’t buy if you can’t afford it.. (gurday nhi bechnay is k liye, un se sirf iphone lena hai) maybe it’ll force others ISPs to improve their offerings.
Starlink is meant for people or areas with no internet and not for people have can get broadband in major cities , it doesn’t compete with broadband any where , in USA you can get 1gbps for $100 while this one only reaches like 50 to 100 in bigger cities with more people , this can’t support so many users with 500km area as each satlite has data limits unlike fiber on the ground
Installation costs : 2 lac
Monthly charges : 20000 to 80000 rs
Benefits : none as its expensive. Only good if you are using it alone and company is ok to do as they please. Any disagreement and you lose .
Risks : you but the dish device . You have to maintain it . It is not resistant to rain, snow or any weather damage and no warranty exists.
Speed varies according to usage . If more people use it . It slows down.
Starlink is under elon musk and he can access your private internet feed and send it to usa agencies if given option or asked . 😉
Disclaimer.. I’m not a corporate shill.
1. Just checked and Starlink is IP56 rated. Pretty good for outdoor usage.
2. Other option for majority of Pakistan is PTCL, jinka dp wala dabba is probably not even rated at all.
3. Ka & ku both are impacted by weather but if the experience was so bad then starlink wouldn’t have survived globally. Yet we see it everywhere.
4. I remember Nayatel faced same high initial cost criticism back in late 2000s. But over time its well adjusted..
Competition is good, of course don’t buy if you can’t afford it.. (gurday nhi bechnay is k liye, un se sirf iphone lena hai) maybe it’ll force others ISPs to improve their offerings..
Yes, it’s costly.
But it’s very useful for freelancers accross the country because very often they are tagged as unstable internet user in Pakistan. It’s useful for people living in remote areas. It’s useful for companies who needs stable internet and care about the business.
If the data will be controlled by pak government and agencies then this project will not be a game changer.
Yes very useful for free lancers who earn like 5lac to 10 lac per month and have like a spaceship that takes their devices and are water proof and weather proof and sun proof and damage proof .
How many such free lancers exist in pakistan ?
Freelancers salary will be less than this expensive internet and rural area are less rich than urban area.
Pakistan is a developing country and consumers couldn’t bear the internet costs provided by Starlink.
If prices are same as the expected prices after the launch then this service will fail eventually.
Only developed countries can bear the costs of satellite internet.
Do you remember the DTH auction in Pakistan? It could not never start in Pakistan although it is to be operated and controlled from Pakistan. I don’t think that it would be allowed to start operation in Pakistan easily.
Can I use the same equipment and monthly plan when I travel to USA ?
Can’t since your device isn’t going with you cupcake
Interesting Pricing! Significantly higher compared to Stormfibre we currently use!
Is TV included in your pricing? If so how many channels from the Internet box!
0 starlink doesn’t give any channels
Star link monthly fee is Very high priced, monthly price should be 2500 /RS per month. Maybe Star link not to maintain service with high price.