ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan on Friday granted a temporary No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Satellite-based internet provider Starlink to launch internet services in Pakistan, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, “With the consensus of all security and regulatory bodies, Starlink has been issued a temporary No Objection Certificate (NOC).”
IT Minister Khawaja said that Starlink was granted temporary registration in alignment with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision to enhance digital infrastructure and broaden internet access nationwide.
“Starlink’s arrival in Pakistan will mark the formal launch of satellite internet services,” the federal minister was quoted as saying. “Pakistan is moving towards digital development under PM Shebaz’s leadership.”
The minister said that registering Starlink was a big step to improve the country’s internet services and IT infrastructure in line with the PM’s instructions.
The Prime Minister had directed that the internet system in Pakistan should be improved, Fatima said, adding that modern solutions like satellite internet will improve connectivity in the country.
Furthermore, the federal minister confirmed that Starlink’s registration was a whole of government approach and that “the IT ministry consulted with the Cybercrime Agency, security agencies, PTA, and Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board before issuing Starlink a temporary NOC.”
She added that the PTA will complete Starlink’s fee payment and other licensing requirements.
Media, citing industry sources, reported that the telecom authority is expected to issue the license to Starlink within four weeks. After obtaining the license, the Starlink is expected to take one year to launch its services in the country, it added.
The sources further said that the government had hired an international consultant to finalise regulations for the satellite-based company.
Starlink Services, owned by tech billionaire and SpaceX chief Elon Musk, is one of the most technologically advanced companies globally among those providing internet via Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites at an altitude of 250 to 500 kilometers.
Musk earlier said that he is awaiting approval from the Pakistan government regarding the launch of Starlink in the country.
