Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, has officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) as “Starlink Internet Services (Private) Limited.” This move marks Starlink’s entry into the Pakistani market to provide high-speed internet via its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Starlink has applied to set up two to three ground stations in the country. The company has also applied for a Long-Distance International (LDI) license and 14 Local Loop licenses. The applications are currently under review by the newly formed Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB).
The PTA highlighted that Starlink’s satellite constellation has been verified by the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) to operate without causing interference to existing networks. Starlink aims to address the digital divide by delivering internet services to remote and underserved areas across Pakistan.
However, political discussions have sparked controversy, with some senators demanding Elon Musk apologize for his alleged anti-Pakistan comments on social media before granting the necessary licenses.
Once approved, Starlink’s services are expected to transform Pakistan’s internet sector, enabling direct-to-consumer satellite-based connectivity for the first time.
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