Musk-owned Starlink granted temporary registration in Pakistan, confirms minister

• PTA expected to issue license to Starlink in four weeks, says sources.
• Starlink issued NOC with consensus of all regulatory bodies: minister
• 'PTA to oversee compliance with fee payments, other requirements.'

In a significant development, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Friday confirmed satellite-based internet-provider ‘Starlink’ was granted temporary registration in Pakistan following the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

In a statement, the minister said with the consensus of all security and regulatory bodies, Starlink has been issued a temporary no-objection certificate (NOC).

She said the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) would oversee compliance with fee payments and other licensing requirements by the company.

Fatima said that, under Prime Minister Shehbaz’s leadership, Pakistan is making significant strides towards digital transformation.

She added that modern solutions like satellite internet will greatly enhance connectivity, particularly in underserved and remote areas of the country.”

The move will pave the way for Elon Musk’s company to obtain a formal license from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), said well-placed sources. 

The clearance from PSARB is a mandatory condition for satellite-based internet-providing companies to operate in the country. The sources further said that the body had also finalised key technical issues, including frequency, power, and earth gateway stations.

“PTA is expected issue the license to Starlink within four weeks,” the sources said, adding that

After obtaining the PTA license, the Starlink is expected to take one year to launch its services in the country, the sources added.

In order to ensure high-speed internet connectivity, Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite will operate at an altitude of 250 to 500 kilometers.

The sources further said that the government had hired an international consultant to finalise regulations for the satellite-based company.

— With addition input from Radio Pakistan.