The Starlink logo is seen on a smartphone in front of the Ukrainian flag in this illustration taken February 27, 2022. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
ISLAMABAD:
The government has delayed issuing a license to Starlink to operate in Pakistan, citing concerns about data security, ongoing fallout between Musk and Trump and growing competition from Chinese satellite companies, a pause that reflects Islamabad’s growing wariness about who controls the country’s digital skies.
Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, is among several companies seeking to enter Pakistan’s satellite internet market, but officials say unresolved geopolitical and security considerations have slowed the approval process.
Sources told The Express PAkGazette that the government had come to know that Starlink could transmit certain data bypassing Pakistan’s surveillance, regulatory and security checks.
“We cannot allow a license for Starlink without ensuring security checks to ensure the safety of consumer data in Pakistan,” a senior government official said.
The officials further said that the dispute between US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk had also become another reason why the Pakistani establishment was unwilling to grant security clearance, fearing that it could provoke US President Donald Trump’s displeasure.
Starlink is one of five companies currently fighting to launch satellite internet services in Pakistan. Companies have requested licenses to implement satellite Internet services in the country.
President Trump and Musk had enjoyed good relations in the past, but later fell out.
Pakistan and the United States have enjoyed better relations since Trump returned to power and therefore Pakistan does not want to take any steps that could raise concerns in Washington.
“But the real reason is that the government has proven some cases where Starlink was supposed to collect some sensitive data while providing satellite internet services,” the sources said, adding that the government is working to address the issue, which has delayed granting a license to Starlink.
Today, Pakistan retains control over Internet data as Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) is a majority shareholder in the submarine cable infrastructure. However, authorities fear they do not have similar control over satellite Internet data and that foreign companies, particularly Starlink, may be involved in data theft.
Sources further said that satellite services would be provided mainly in remote areas like Balochistan, where conventional internet services are limited or not available.
Currently, relevant authorities can monitor internet services and even suspend connectivity in case of security issues. However, officials fear they may face difficulties in blocking satellite services when necessary.
Telecom operator Starlink has completed its preliminary technical work to launch satellite internet services in Pakistan, but the regulatory framework remains unfinished.
Five companies are currently seeking licenses for satellite internet services in Pakistan, with plans to invest millions of dollars in the country.
According to Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB), five companies including Starlink and Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology Limited (SSST) have shown keen interest in providing satellite internet services.
The other companies are OneWeb (Eutelsat Group), Project Kuiper of the Amazon Group and the Canadian satellite company Telesat. These companies are also set to launch satellite internet services in Pakistan and are said to have completed much of the preparatory work.
Chinese companies already have greater penetration in Pakistan than American ones. Chinese companies are also looking to enter Pakistan’s satellite internet market and see Starlink as a direct competitor.
However, the registration process is still pending before the PSARB board, which is yet to finalize the licensing regime.
According to PSARB officials, the government has completed consultations with stakeholders but needs more time to put in place security mechanisms before allowing satellite internet services to start operating.
