Elon Musk’s Starlink project has attracted attention worldwide as a high-speed satellite internet option, particularly in areas where access is still problematic. The issue still stands for Pakistan: Will Starlink launch here? Even while the answer isn’t simple, new information suggests that it might arrive soon.
Why Starlink Isn’t Here Yet
The main obstacle to Starlink’s entry into Pakistan has been the licensing process. The business encountered numerous technological and legal challenges even after submitting an application for a licence in February 2022. According to confirmation from the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Starlink has not yet met all the conditions needed to conduct business in the nation.
A major concern is that Starlink’s non-geostationary satellites could interfere with geostationary satellites, a serious problem that has been brought to light by a number of governmental organisations, including the Strategic Plans Division, SUPARCO, and the Frequency Allocation Board. The lack of a license system for non-geostationary satellites in Pakistan further complicated the situation and slowed down progress.
A New Space Policy
When Pakistan issued its National Space Policy in late 2023 and the Pakistan Space Rules in February 2024, the scene started to change. Starlink and other satellite internet providers now have an easier time operating in Pakistan, thanks to these regulatory changes.
Now that this structure is in place, Starlink has started working again to register and meet local regulations. In an effort to get beyond the last obstacles, the business has also applied for a Long-Distance International license.
Read more: Internet Outages Cost IT Industry $910K Per Hour: P@SHA
The Significance of Starlink In Pakistan
For Pakistan’s rural and isolated areas, where traditional web service is either unreliable or absent, Starlink’s satellite internet might be revolutionary. Fast internet could help close the digital gap and boost the nation’s quickly expanding freelance sector.
What’s Ahead for Starlink?
The successful launch of Starlink in Pakistan depends on resolving issues with satellite interference and navigating a challenging regulatory system. Even while there has been development, it is obvious that a deployment is unlikely to happen anytime soon.
The outlook is better than it was a year ago because of the new space policy and the ongoing talks with the government. Nonetheless, technical problems and administrative roadblocks continue to be major obstacles.
As of right now, Starlink’s entry in Pakistan is still pending. The measures thus indicate that the conversation is far from ended, even though the timeframe is undetermined. As work continues behind the scenes, there is reason for optimism among those who believe in its potential.
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