Starlink Faces Delay in Launching Satellite Internet Services in Pakistan
Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, will have to wait longer to begin operations in Pakistan, as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has withheld issuing a license until permanent registration is secured.
PTA Awaits Permanent PSARB Approval
According to sources at ProPakistani, the PTA has clearly stated that it cannot issue a license based on temporary registration and is awaiting final clearance from the Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO)-linked Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB).
Starlink was granted temporary registration by PSARB on March 21, but the process for permanent registration is still underway.
Read more: Elon Musk Set to Launch Starlink in Bangladesh
Regulatory Framework Under Development
To facilitate the licensing process for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite operators like Starlink, the PSARB has hired an international consultant. This expert is helping draft comprehensive rules and technical guidelines for LEO satellite services in Pakistan.
Once the framework is finalized:
- A checklist for permanent registration will be developed.
- Technical and regulatory criteria for operators will be formalized.
Until then, PTA will not move forward with issuing a license to Starlink.
What’s Next?
Starlink must wait for PSARB’s permanent registration process to be completed before any further steps can be taken. The timeline for this process remains uncertain, depending on how quickly the regulatory guidelines are finalized.
