ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima said that Starlink internet service is set to launch in Pakistan by November or December this year.
The announcement was made during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, chaired by MNA Aminul Haque.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) briefed the committee on the licensing process for Starlink.
Last month, the IT Minister confirmed that the satellite-based internet provider was granted temporary registration in Pakistan following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directives.
The PTA Chairman confirmed that the Space Board has granted Starlink a temporary licence, adding that a full operational licence will be issued once regulatory frameworks are finalised.
IT minister told the committee that the government had hired consultants to help conclude the regulations, adding that a consultant has been hired to finalise the regulations.
“Once the regulations are complete, Starlink will need to reapply for its full license.”
The minister also revealed that a Chinese company, Shanghai Spacecom, had also submitted a similar application for providing satellite internet services in Pakistan.
“The government wants to ensure a competitive market, encouraging more companies to enter the sector,” the minister said.
With Starlink’s infrastructure set to be installed soon, the minister confirmed that its services will be available in Pakistan by the end of the year. The sources further said that the body had also worked out key technical issues, including frequency, power, and earth gateway stations.
