Starlink, the pioneering satellite internet venture led by Elon Musk, has secured a pivotal milestone in its mission to bring high-speed internet to Pakistan. The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has confirmed that the licensing process is advancing smoothly, with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) already granted, paving the way for subsequent stages.
Sources within the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reveal that the next step involves issuing an official operating license to Starlink. The PTA anticipates that the service will be fully functional across Pakistan within six months, delivering internet powered by Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites directly to users nationwide.
To secure this license, Starlink will submit a $640,000 fee to the PTA. The company has already provided detailed technical and financial documentation, which is currently under review by the authority’s internal team. The PTA chairman, along with three board members, will finalize the decision, with approval expected in the coming weeks.
Upon receiving the green light, Starlink will begin accepting customer reservations and initiating equipment installations throughout Pakistan. Plans include establishing two to three ground stations within the country to bolster its satellite network infrastructure.
The arrival of Starlink promises to transform internet access, particularly in Pakistan’s remote and underserved regions where traditional cable or mobile networks are absent. Insiders hint that pricing for Starlink’s services in Pakistan will be notably lower than in the United States and other advanced markets, enhancing affordability for local users.
With Pakistan’s digital ecosystem steadily progressing and Starlink gaining global traction, this launch could redefine connectivity, bridging gaps and empowering communities across the nation.
