On the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Pakistan Space Activity Regulatory Board has approved a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Starlink Pakistan. This move has cleared the way for the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to issue a formal telecom license to Starlink.
According to sources, PTA is likely to issue the license within four weeks. The final step depends on NOCs from other related departments. Once these are in place, the PTA will grant Starlink its operational certificate by next month.
Officials confirmed that the NOC from the Space Activity Regulatory Board was a key requirement. This approval is a major step toward Starlink getting its PTA license. The decision was taken after special instructions from the Prime Minister. It shows the government’s push for better digital infrastructure and internet expansion.
Starlink Pakistan had officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The company applied for a telecom license back on February 24, 2022. A month later, the case was sent to the Ministry of Information Technology for consultation. Now, with the NOC in hand, the licensing process is close to completion.
Even after securing the PTA license, Starlink will need up to one year to start full operations in the country. The delay will be due to technical integration, building infrastructure, and obtaining key security clearances. These are essential for smooth service delivery.
The latest update comes after a high-level meeting in Spain. PTA Chairman Major General (Retired) Hafeez Ur Rehman met the Starlink team at the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona. They discussed low-cost internet, better broadband access, and digital inclusion for underdeveloped areas.
PTA reaffirmed its support for modern technologies. It wants to create space for innovation in the telecom industry. But before Starlink Pakistan starts services, it must register with the country’s satellite regulatory body. This step is vital to get the final satellite internet license.
Despite the formalities, industry experts believe Starlink Pakistan will transform the digital scene. Its satellite-based broadband could help rural and hard-to-reach areas where regular internet is weak or unavailable.
Although no launch date has been confirmed, early reports say Starlink Pakistan will offer three internet packages:
Residential Package: Rs35,000 per month (50-250 Mbps). A one-time installation charge of Rs110,000 applies.
Business Package: Rs95,000 per month with a setup cost of Rs220,000.
Mobility Package: Rs50,000 per month with Rs120,000 one-time hardware cost.
These high-speed satellite internet plans promise fast and reliable connectivity. However, their high pricing may be a hurdle for average users in Pakistan. Many fear it might remain unaffordable for the common household.
Experts also note that Starlink Pakistan will face more challenges. Ground stations must be built. Security approvals are needed. Integration into the existing telecom network will also take time. Analysts predict these tasks will take at least a year.
Another major concern is the regulatory setup for satellite broadband. Unlike fiber or mobile networks, satellite internet demands extra layers of spectrum and security approvals. These extra steps could delay the rollout further.
Still, Starlink Pakistan is expected to push existing internet service providers (ISPs) to improve. Its arrival may spark competition and better services in the local market.
