The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, led by Aminul Haq, assembled to address significant matters such as the Personal Data Protection Bill, challenges related to internet connectivity, and the completion of the licensing process for Starlink in Pakistan.
In a recent meeting of Pakistan’s Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunication, officials announced that Starlink is nearing the approval of its operating license. Sabin Ghauri, the Parliamentary Secretary for IT and Telecom, indicated that Starlink submitted its license application in February 2022; however, Pakistan did not have the regulatory framework to address it at that time. Currently, the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) functioning under the Strategic Plans Division (SPD), 90% of the discussions with Starlink have been finalized. Ghauri mentioned that the licensing process is expected to be completed within a few months, which will facilitate Starlink’s operations in Pakistan by June this year.
Internet Connectivity Issues
The chairman of the PTA claimed that the installation of fiber cables guarantees internet speed and connectivity. However, committee members expressed significant discontent regarding the ongoing internet connectivity problems nationwide. Ahmed Atiq highlighted that there is no internet access within a 40-kilometer radius of Lahore, with comparable issues occurring in other areas.
Sher Ali Arbab condemned the slow advancement, remarking, “It is unfeasible to operate 5G. My phone has remained on E for the past two days.”
Estimated Starlink Packages for Pakistan
Starlink has yet to officially commence operations in Pakistan; however, the following details regarding potential internet packages can be inferred from global pricing patterns:
- Residential Package: This package is expected to deliver speeds ranging from 50 to 250 Mbps, with a monthly fee of PKR 35,000 and a one-time hardware charge of PKR 110,000.
- Business Package: Anticipated to offer speeds between 100 and 500 Mbps, this package is projected to cost PKR 95,000 per month, alongside a hardware installation fee of PKR 220,000.
- Mobility Package: This option is likely to provide speeds of 50 to 250 Mbps, with a monthly subscription fee of PKR 50,000 and hardware expenses amounting to PKR 120,000.
Global Comparisons
In countries where Starlink is operational, its pricing is relatively competitive:
- United States: $110 monthly with a one-time hardware cost of $599.
- United Kingdom: £89 monthly with a £499 hardware fee.
- Australia: AUD 139 per month with an upfront hardware cost of AUD 709.
Starlink Subscription Process
Individuals who are new to Starlink and wish to utilize the service should adhere to the following procedure:
- Navigate to the Starlink website and enter their address to verify service availability.
- Reserve a position in the queue by submitting a refundable deposit, typically amounting to USD 99.
- Obtain the Starlink Kit, which comprises a satellite dish, Wi-Fi router, power supply, cables, and a mounting tripod.
- Install the dish in a location with an unobstructed view of the sky and follow the setup instructions provided through the Starlink application.
The system will automatically establish a connection with satellites, allowing users to access internet services nearly immediately.
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