The Ministry for Information Technology and Telecommunication has granted Starlink approval to operate satellite internet in Pakistan. The decision allowed Elon Musk’s company to expand its foothold in South Asia after gaining the same in India.
The country said on Frida, March 21, 2025, that Starlink was given the nod to operate its satellite internet services in the country.
The country’s communication minister, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, shared that the US-based company was given approval to operate its satellite broadband services after directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. However, it must be noted that Starlink only received temporary approval for its internet service.
Besides Pakistan, Starlink has recently tied up with Jio and Airtel for satellite broadband services. The company has also reached a similar deal for services in Bhutan.
Pakistan gives Starlink a temporary approval for satellite internet
The minister shared that Starlink received its approval after a consensus of regulatory bodies and security agencies, including the Cybercrime Agency, security agencies PTA, and the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board. The American company now has a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
“Starlink has been issued a temporary NOC with the consensus of all security and regulatory agencies,” Shaza said. “Starlink’s arrival in Pakistan will mark the formal launch of satellite internet services.”
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She added, “The prime minister had directed that the internet system in Pakistan should be improved. Modern solutions like satellite internet will improve connectivity in the country.”
Starlink provides fast broadband services using over 7,000 Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.