National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom was briefed on Tuesday about the ongoing efforts to introduce satellite-based internet services in Pakistan, with two companies applying for the operating license. PTA Chairman, retired Maj Gen Hafeezur Rehman, informed the committee that Starlink had submitted its application for an operating license in 2022, while Shanghai Space Technology applied for the same service in 2024. Both companies’ requests are currently under review by the Pakistan Space Activities and Research Board (PSA), the country’s space regulatory body.
In response to a query by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Rehman confirmed that the cases of both companies are with the PSA. Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary on IT & Telecom, Sabin Ghauri, reassured the committee that the matter was in its final stages, and the operating licenses for satellite internet services would be issued within the next six months. This news comes after significant anticipation surrounding the potential launch of Starlink’s services in Pakistan, which has yet to be realized.
Starlink, the satellite internet company founded by Elon Musk, first applied for a license to operate in Pakistan in 2022, and its entry into the country is seen as a critical step in addressing the challenges of internet connectivity, especially in remote areas. However, despite nearly three years having passed, the process remains stalled, leading to frustration among committee members.
Committee Chairman Syed Aminul Haque expressed his disappointment over the delays, stating that it was regrettable that from 2022 to 2025, discussions were still ongoing about the possibility of a satellite-based internet service provider operating in the country. Haque directed that the legal formalities be completed as quickly as possible to facilitate Starlink’s operations in Pakistan.
The issue of inadequate internet services was also a major point of concern during the meeting. Committee members voiced their dissatisfaction with the persistent slowdown and disruptions in internet connectivity across the country. Ahmed Atiq Anwar highlighted that internet service was unavailable within a 40-kilometer radius of Lahore, a city that is considered one of Pakistan’s major urban centers. Other members echoed his sentiments, pointing out similar issues in different parts of the country.
PTA Chairman Rehman acknowledged the challenges faced by telecom companies in expanding their services to remote areas, citing the lack of business potential in such regions as a major deterrent. Despite this, he revealed that the PTA had raised a staggering Rs1.70 trillion in taxes from the IT and telecom sectors over the past six years. However, he also pointed out that the government had not made any significant investments in developing IT infrastructure during this time, exacerbating the connectivity issues faced by the country.
Sher Ali Arbab, a committee member, called for an in-camera meeting to address the issue of internet throttling, which has been a major concern for users in recent months. The committee also discussed the pending payments of Rs78 billion owed by Local Loop Digital (LDI) companies. It was disclosed that if the LDI operating licenses were revoked, nearly 50% of ATMs in the country would be rendered inoperative, as the banking sector relies heavily on LDI services.
Rehman explained that the outstanding dues relate to recoveries from the period between 2008 and 2011, and the cases are currently pending in courts. Despite these challenges, the PTA chairman revealed that five companies had agreed to clear their dues, and discussions were underway to establish an installment plan for the payments.
In a related discussion, Rehman emphasized that the quality of internet speed and connectivity is heavily dependent on the establishment of fiber optic networks. He cited the example of India, where the government has invested $13 billion in the telecom sector to improve connectivity. The investment has resulted in the laying of 3.5 million kilometers of fiber optic cables, significantly boosting the country’s internet infrastructure.
As Pakistan continues to struggle with internet connectivity issues, the introduction of satellite internet services from companies like Starlink could be a game-changer, offering a potential solution to the country’s digital divide, particularly in underserved and remote areas. However, the delays in licensing and regulatory approval have hindered progress, and stakeholders are eager for a resolution to move forward with these much-needed services.
Source: Dawn News
