Elon Musk’s Starlink has taken a significant step towards providing high-speed internet services in Pakistan by applying to establish ground stations in the country. Registered under the name “Starlink Internet Services (Private) Limited,” the company plans to set up 2-3 ground stations to deliver satellite internet via its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation.
Starlink’s move comes in response to the increasing demand for broadband services, especially in remote and underserved regions of Pakistan. The company has applied for necessary licenses to operate, including a Long-Distance International (LDI) license and 14 Local Loop licenses, which are currently under review by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MOITT).
The Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) has verified that Starlink’s satellite network will not interfere with existing communication systems in Pakistan, ensuring compatibility with the country’s infrastructure. As part of Pakistan’s regulatory framework for satellite-based telecommunication services, Starlink is undergoing a technical evaluation by the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB). If approved, the company will receive licenses to offer satellite internet services directly to Pakistani consumers.
The National Satellite Policy of 2023 and Pakistan Space Activities Rules of 2024 govern the country’s satellite services, and the collaboration between federal and provincial agencies under the guidance of the National Space Agency (SUPARCO) is required for successful implementation. Starlink’s potential entry could transform the broadband landscape in Pakistan, particularly by expanding access to regions that currently lack reliable internet connectivity.
