Talks underway with Musk-owned Starlink: PTA chairman

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTI) Chairman Major Gen (retd) Hafeezur Rehman on Tuesday confirmed that talks were underway for the registration of satellite-based internet provider Starlink in the country.

In a statement, a spokesperson of the PTA said that the Musk-owned Starlink team met with Rehman on the sidelines of the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona.

Matters related to opportunities for promoting digital connectivity in Pakistan, regulatory framework and access to quality broadband in remote areas were discussed in the meeting.

During the meeting, the PTA chairman reaffirmed the resolve to use modern technology to promote connectivity in the country.

“Registration with satellite regulatory body is a prerequisite for obtaining a license,” the spokesperson quoted the PTA chairman as saying.

Govt to hire consultant for regulatory framework

In January this year, reports emerged that the federal government planned to hire a consultant to finalise regulations for the satellite-based company Starlink's internet services in Pakistan.

The development was discussed during a meeting chaired by Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, focusing on advancing satellite connectivity and technology in Pakistan.

The session, which included representatives from SUPARCO, PTA, and the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board, delved into Starlink’s licensing and regulatory progress alongside the development of a regulatory framework for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.

During the meeting, it was decided to hire a consultant to assist the licensing process for Starlink and LEO satellites, aiming to align Pakistan's satellite policies with international standards.

The meeting also discussed how the use of LEO satellites could enhance connectivity and contribute to the nation’s technological advancement.

Furthermore, the IT Ministry expressed commitment to establishing a regulatory framework for satellite technology that meets global benchmarks.

The meeting came a day after the state minister confirmed that the satellite-based internet-providing company Starlink was registered with the Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

"[Following the approval] the space board authority is looking into various technical aspects and we have communicated [about this] to Starlink," she said while speaking to Geo.tv.

Earlier, Musk had confirmed that he was awaiting Islamabad’s approval to launch Starlink in Pakistan. He made the remarks while responding to messages on social media platform X by a Pakistani social media activist.