Delay in Starlink's service initiation due to 'concerns'
GOING GALACTIC, BROKE OR BUST? STARLINK'S FUTURE IN PAKISTAN
Hey there! What's up? Let's dive into the turbulent journey that SpaceX's Starlink is about to embark on in Pakistan. Y'know, Elon Musk's pet project that's talking 'bout revolutionizing internet connectivity with them there Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites?
But first, let's talk bucks, baby. The cost of Starlink for residential users is said to be around PKR 35,000 a month, with a setup fee of PKR 110,000. Now, that's some series cash compared to local ISPs who charge between PKR 2,500-12,000 a month for fiber-optic internet. Ain't that a kick in the teeth for average Joes, eh?
Business plans? They're pricier - as high as PKR 95,000 monthly with setup costs reaching PKR 220,000. Yeesh! That's an expenditure worthy of a Silicon Valley startup, not your neighborhood corner store.
But wait, there's more! The PTA official says negotiations are still on the go, assessing regulatory, technical, and security aspects meticulously. Affordability and national ICT goals alignment are high priority items on their checklist.
Starlink's got a temporary NOC since March 2025, but a full commercial license is yet to come. They gotta jump through three hoops: security clearance from the Ministry of Interior and compliance with the Pakistan Space Activity Rules (2024) and the National Space Policy (2023).
So, what's the buzz around national security? Conservative types worry that Starlink's capability to operate without local ISPs or national gateways may undermine content moderation and law enforcement efforts, making it harder to keep tabs on illegal activity and banned sites online.
But some experts like IT wizkid Hannan Gillani suggest that Pakistani users may be able to access sites blocked by the PTA, bypassing local filters and monitoring systems if Starlink doesn't buckle and play by Pakistani rules - that means using State Bank-regulated channels for billing and staying in line with the Pakistani equivalent of the FCC and NASA.
Even so, Pervez Iftikhar, an ICT maven, believes that Pakistan might be able to regain a modicum of control through Starlink's architecture. Users connect directly to satellites, and the return data wends its way through gateway stations within Pakistan, benefiting from some degree of government oversight. It's estimated that Pakistan will host three gateway stations, and there's even a possibility of cost-sharing in rural and educational settings to trim costs.
So, what's the bottom line, you ask? Starlink, despite its potential to connect remote and underserved regions, is facing a whole boatload of obstacles, including affordability, national security, and regulatory hoops. The Pakistani government is carefully examining all angles to ensure Starlink aligns with national ICT goals and adheres to local regulations. The waiting game continues!
Footnotes:[1] Business Recorder, 2025.[2] IT expert Hannan Gillani, interview with Business Recorder, 2025.[3] ICT policy consultant Pervez Iftikhar, interview with Business Recorder, 2025.[4] PTA official, interview with Business Recorder, 2025, on condition of anonymity.
In the ongoing discussion about Starlink's potential in Pakistan, concerns about the technology's impact on national security arise, linking it to the broader realm of space-and-astronomy and technology. Despite the promising potential to bridge the digital divide in remote and underserved areas, the astronomical costs might hinder its accessibility for the average Pakistani, raising questions about its alignment with national ICT goals.
The Pakistani government's approach to Starlink, particularly regarding regulatory approval, provides an intriguing intersection between science (space exploration and technology) and policy-making, emphasizing the importance of balancing modern advancements with national interests.
