Islamabad:
The regulatory Board of Space Activities of Pakistan (PSARB) approved on Friday the issuance of the non -objection certificate (Noc) to the US -based Internet provider. UU., Starlink, a significant movement that is ready to reinforce the country’s digital landscape.
Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said Starlink had been granted a temporary record in Pakistan on the directive of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after the consensus among all security and regulation agencies.
According to the sources, the Telecommunications Authority of Pakistan (PTA) was expected to issue the license to join star in the next two weeks. However, they added that the company could take a year to begin its services to Pakistan consumers.
Starlink, owned by the technological billionaire Elon Musk, was officially registered with the Commission of Securities and Ex exchange of Pakistan (SECP) under the name of Starlink Internet Services (private) Limited and requested to establish two or three land stations in the country.
Starlink first submitted an application for an international long distance license (LDI) on February 24, 2022. In addition, on April 29, 2022, he requested 14 local loop licenses, since it works to provide satellite -based Internet services.
According to the PTA sources, the PSARB approved Noc’s issuance after Starlink met all the requirements of the Space Regulatory Board (SRB): the body that implements the National Satellite Policy, 2023, and the rules of space activities of Pakistan, 2024.
PSARB approval is the second stage of obtaining the license in Pakistan. The company had obtained the SECP registration and the Pakistan Software Export Board. Now, the PTA license would be the final stage, after which it would begin its services.
IT Minister, Khawaja, said in a statement that the approval of Satellite Internet was a milestone for the digital future of Pakistan. “The government has worked closely with all institutions under the ‘entire government’ approach to improve Internet services,” he said.
“Modern solutions such as the Internet satellite will greatly improve connectivity, particularly in unattended and remote areas of Pakistan,” he added. He expressed his optimism that Starlink entry in Pakistan would formally launch satellite Internet services, marking a new era in the country’s digital connectivity.
