Starlink’s Launch in Pakistan Delayed as Temporary Registration Expires

News Desk

Islamabad: Plans to roll out Starlink’s satellite internet services in Pakistan have encountered another obstacle after the expiration of the company’s temporary registration with the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), which operates through the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB), official sources confirmed.

The lapse has stalled the licensing process for the global satellite internet provider, which is awaiting formal approval to operate in the country.

Sources told reporters that Starlink was granted temporary registration on March 21, 2024, but has so far failed to meet the requirements for permanent registration — a prerequisite for securing an operational license from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

“The temporary registration expired in June, and Starlink has not fulfilled the conditions for permanent approval,” a government official said.

Regulatory Hurdles Acknowledged

Starlink representatives confirmed the expiry of the temporary registration and said the company is reviewing the situation internally before issuing a formal response.

Company sources indicated that Starlink is awaiting a clearer policy framework from the government regarding the commercial use of satellite internet services before taking further steps.

Earlier this year, the PTA had issued a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to Starlink on March 21, marking a key milestone toward the potential launch of its services in Pakistan. The NOC was issued with the approval of PSARB following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, signaling the government’s intent to promote digital connectivity and expand broadband access across the country.

Starlink, a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and applied for a telecom license on February 24, 2022. The matter was subsequently referred to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication in March 2022 for further consultation.

However, despite the initial momentum, Starlink’s entry into Pakistan’s telecom sector remains in limbo until regulatory conditions are met and a long-term licensing framework is finalized.