Elon Musk’s Starlink coming to Pakistan?

The Minister of State for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima, confirmed on Thursday that efforts are underway to bring Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, StarLink, to Pakistan.

The announcement came during a Senate Standing Committee meeting, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, where concerns regarding internet disruptions, VPN licensing, and the impact of national security policies on the IT sector were discussed. The committee members emphasized the need for clear and consistent policies to address these issues.

Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) revealed that VPN licensing will begin on January 1, 2025, to mitigate data security risks associated with unauthorized VPN services.

Industry representatives raised concerns about the disruptions in internet services, which have significantly affected the growth of Pakistan’s IT sector.

During the meeting, the committee called for clearer policies regarding internet speed and the potential for internet shutdowns, stressing the importance of ensuring a stable online environment for businesses and individuals alike.

In response to these concerns, Minister Shaza Fatima also confirmed plans for the auction of the 5G spectrum in April 2025, which is expected to further enhance the country’s internet infrastructure.

Additionally, discussions with StarLink representatives are ongoing, as the government explores the possibility of bringing the satellite service to Pakistan.