The issuance of Starlink's license to provide satellite internet services in Pakistan has faced additional delays, as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has decided not to issue the license based solely on temporary registration.
The PTA’s decision to withhold the license comes as the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) has made it clear that Starlink's permanent registration is still pending.
Starlink was initially granted temporary registration by PSARB on March 21, but the company will not receive a full license until it meets all the regulatory and technical requirements for permanent registration.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has now made the issuance of Starlink’s full license conditional upon the completion of these procedures.
Official sources have stated that the PTA will wait for the permanent registration with PSARB before moving forward with the issuance of the license.
Starlink sources have confirmed that they are awaiting the final approval for launching satellite internet services in Pakistan but emphasized that only the government and PTA can provide clarity on the reasons behind the delay.
In an earlier briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology, IT Minister Shaza Fatima had announced that satellite internet services were expected to begin in November or December 2025.
At that time, she mentioned that Starlink would be one of the key players in the market, alongside the Chinese company Shanghai Space. However, this new delay in the licensing process may push back the expected launch timeline.
The PTA's Chairman had previously mentioned that Starlink’s temporary license would be converted into a full license once the regulations were finalised.
Despite the delay, Starlink is moving forward with the necessary preparations, including infrastructure installations, but it now remains contingent on satisfying all legal and regulatory requirements.
Expected Starlink Packages & Pricing in Pakistan
Although an official launch date is yet to be announced, initial reports suggest that Starlink will introduce three service packages in Pakistan, with the following expected pricing:
- Residential Package: Rs35,000/month (50-250 Mbps) with a one-time hardware installation fee of Rs110,000
- Business Package: Rs95,000/month with a one-time setup cost of Rs220,000
- Mobility Package: Rs50,000/month with a one-time hardware cost of Rs120,000.
While Starlink’s speeds and satellite connectivity offer significant advantages over conventional broadband, concerns remain over the high pricing of its packages, making it less accessible for the average Pakistani consumer.
Even after receiving its PTA license, Starlink will face multiple challenges before launching its services in Pakistan. Industry sources indicate that setting up ground stations, obtaining security clearances, and ensuring seamless integration within the existing telecom ecosystem will take at least a year.
Another key issue is the regulatory framework governing satellite internet services. Unlike traditional fiber or cellular networks, satellite-based internet requires additional security and spectrum allocation approvals, which could further impact rollout timelines.
However, Starlink’s eventual launch in Pakistan is expected to intensify competition within the broadband sector, potentially forcing existing internet service providers (ISPs) to improve their offerings.
