Elon Musk’s Starlink Finally Registered in Pakistan To Provide Internet

Elon Musk’s company Starlink Internet Services has officially registered itself with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan( SECP) to give internet services in Pakistan through satellite.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication on Monday, SpaceX Director for Global Licensing and Market Activation Ryan Goodnight met Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Syed Aminul Haq to bandy the enrollment of SpaceX’s Starlink.

The meeting was held to explore how Starlink’s quickest and least expensive satellite internet services could open the door for reasonably priced broadband services throughout Pakistan. The minister expressed optimism that even in remote areas Starlink’s services could significantly lower the operational costs of telecom operators.

The minister stated, “Our main goal is to provide broadband services to every area of Pakistan at a reasonable price,” adding, “Starlink can play a significant role in this regard.”

During the meeting, Starlink officials expressed gratitude to Haq and other officials to extend cooperation and further hailed the country’s progress in the IT sector. Ryan Goodnight expressed his appreciation for Pakistan’s growth in the IT and telecom sectors and thanked the minister for his cooperation. Ryan said, “The fundamentals are finished, and we are now prepared to go quickly.”

Starlink Background

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, providing satellite Internet access coverage to over 50 countries. It also aims for global mobile phone service after 2023. SpaceX started launching Starlink satellites in 2019.

As of February 2023, Starlink consists of over 3,580 mass-produced small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), which communicate with designated ground transceivers. In total, nearly 12,000 satellites are planned to be deployed, with a possible later extension to 42,000. SpaceX announced reaching more than one million subscribers in December 2022.

As submitted a technical and commercial plan with the PTA for operations in Pakistan, with plans to utilize satellite-to-satellite laser technology. A number of stakeholders, including the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and other organizations, have expressed concerns about data hosting outside of Pakistan and the security risks connected with satellite internet. Additionally, In response to these concerns, the PTA has made satellite internet certification conditional on security clearance. Furthermore, Pakistan’s government tightens regulations for internet and technology companies doing business in the country.