State Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has announced that Elon Musk’s Starlink Internet Services Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. and Chinese satellite company Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology have applied for licenses to operate in Pakistan.
In her written statement to the National Assembly, the minister clarified that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is processing license applications only from companies registered locally with the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). According to PTA’s licensing regulations, foreign entities are not eligible to apply directly unless they are formally registered under SECP.
Starlink, a SpaceX subsidiary offering satellite-based internet services, and Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology, a Chinese satellite communication company, are pursuing local registration and compliance to expand their operations in Pakistan under these rules.
The minister emphasized that the licensing process is straightforward, provided applicants fulfill all formal requirements. The PTA reviews applications after the necessary formalities are completed, including security clearance from the Ministry of Interior when required. To further simplify the process, the Online Application Submission Information System (OASIS) has been introduced. This system enables applicants to submit required documents and track the status of their applications online, ensuring a more streamlined and efficient process.
Additionally, the PTA is actively ensuring the Quality of Service (QoS) for internet providers. Under the Fixed Broadband Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations, 2022, internet services are continuously assessed to meet global performance standards. This initiative aims to maintain consistent and reliable connectivity across Pakistan.
Starlink’s potential entry into the Pakistani market could revolutionize internet accessibility, especially in remote areas, while competition from companies like Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology may further enhance technological advancements in the country’s telecommunications sector.
