ISLAMABAD: Starlink Internet Services (Private) Ltd must secure security clearance before obtaining licenses and launching its operations in Pakistan, according to Major General Hafeez ur Rehman (retired), Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
Speaking to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, the PTA chairman clarified that once the necessary security clearance and required Long Distance International (LDI) and Local Loop (LL) licenses are granted, Starlink could commence its services within a month. He emphasized that contrary to claims, Starlink services are not currently available in Pakistan, either legally or otherwise, as the service requires specialized equipment and antennas to function.
During the meeting, Senator Palwasha Khan expressed concerns over Elon Musk’s controversial statements, particularly those alleging the involvement of Pakistanis in grooming gangs in the UK. She criticized these remarks as disinformation and accused Musk of aligning with Indian entities to propagate false narratives against Pakistan. Senator Afnanullah Khan suggested that the approval of Starlink’s license should be contingent upon a public apology from Musk for his anti-Pakistan rhetoric.
The Ministry of IT’s special secretary acknowledged the sensitivity of introducing satellite-based internet services in Pakistan, noting that Musk’s claims about awaiting approval were misleading as there had been no direct communication with Pakistani authorities. The PTA chairman added that satellite-based services, including those by Starlink, must comply with licensing requirements and provide monitoring and lawful interception facilities.
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, registered itself with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) as Starlink Internet Services Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd. The company has proposed the establishment of 2-3 ground stations in Pakistan to support its low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite network. In 2022, Starlink applied for LDI and LL licenses, but the lack of a Satellite Policy at the time delayed progress. The National Satellite Policy was later approved in December 2023, under the caretaker government, raising questions about its legitimacy.
The policy will be implemented through SUPARCO, with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) tasked with registering satellite service providers like Starlink. The PSARB is currently analyzing the deployment of Starlink’s earth gateway stations and its satellite constellation to ensure non-interference with existing geostationary satellites.
In parallel, the committee also discussed delays in the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023. Despite being approved by the Cabinet in 2022, the bill has faced prolonged delays. Senator Anusha Rahman and other members stressed the urgency of implementing robust data protection laws, calling for a dedicated session to finalize the legislation.