Starlink is expected to launch its satellite internet services in Pakistan by November or December of this year, as shared by IT Minister Shaza Fatima during a meeting with the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology on Monday.
The IT Minister mentioned that there are no obstacles in the licensing process; however, she pointed out that satellite internet is a relatively new technology that requires consideration of various viewpoints. A consultant has been engaged to prepare the final regulations, she added.
Once the regulatory framework is established, Starlink will need to submit a formal reapplication for its license, the minister confirmed.
Additionally, Shaza revealed that a Chinese company, Shanghai Spacecom, has also applied to provide similar satellite internet services in Pakistan.
In the meantime, Major General (retd) Hafeez-ur-Rehman, Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), informed the committee that Starlink has received a temporary license, but a full operational license is still pending and will only be granted once the regulatory frameworks are finalized.
He noted that Starlink’s license is currently in the issuance phase, and the company will have to reapply once the final regulations are established.
The meeting wrapped up with the hope that Starlink’s infrastructure deployment would be completed in the upcoming months, allowing the service to become operational before the year ends.
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