Starlink gets NOC to 'launch' services in Pakistan

Pakistan all set to enter the satellite internet spectrum as Starlink, a global satellite internet provider, has obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to launch services in Pakistan, ARY News reported.

According to sources, Starlink has fulfilled all the requirements set by the regulatory board, the NOC was issued by Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board after clearance from the Interior Ministry.

Sources revealed that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is also expected to issue a license to Starlink within the next two weeks.

Starlink has already submitted its technical and business plans to the PTA and has registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the Pakistan Software Export Board.

The company has completed three stages of registration in Pakistan, with the final stage being the issuance of a license by the PTA.

Once the license is issued, Starlink will be able to launch its services in Pakistan, providing high-speed internet connectivity to remote and underserved areas. The company’s services are designed to be seamless and will not disrupt existing networks.

Pakistan introduced its National Satellite Policy in 2023 and Space Activities Rules in 2024 to strengthen space communication.

Pakistan’s IT Minister on Starlink

Commenting on the development, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that Starlink has been 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 added that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) would oversee compliance with fee payments and other licensing requirements by the company.

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

“The Prime Minister has directed comprehensive reforms to enhance Pakistan’s internet infrastructure, and Starlink’s registration is a major step forward in this journey,” she added.

Also read: PTA shares major update on Starlink launch in Pakistan

Calling the approval for satellite-based internet services a milestone, the minister said, “Modern solutions like satellite internet will greatly enhance connectivity, particularly in underserved and remote areas of the country.”

She highlighted that the government adopted a “whole-of-government” approach, working in close collaboration with all relevant institutions to facilitate Starlink’s registration process. In this regard, she acknowledged the pivotal roles played by cybercrime and security agencies, the PTA, and the Space Authority.

Shaza Fatima expressed optimism that Starlink’s entry into Pakistan would formally launch satellite internet services, marking a new era in the country’s digital connectivity and bridging the digital divide.

Starlink

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX, a private aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company founded by Elon Musk. The constellation aims to provide fast, reliable, and global internet connectivity through a network of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).

This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we access the internet, especially in remote and underserved areas where traditional fiber-optic and cellular networks are limited or unavailable.

The Starlink constellation is designed to offer high-speed internet connectivity with latency as low as 20 ms, which is comparable to or even better than many existing fiber-optic networks.

Each Starlink satellite is equipped with a phased array antenna that allows it to communicate with multiple users simultaneously, providing a high-capacity and flexible network. With Starlink, users can enjoy fast and reliable internet access from virtually anywhere in the world, making it an exciting development for global connectivity and digital inclusion.