Chairman of PTA, Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, HI (M), met with the Starlink team at the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. The discussions focused on exploring opportunities to expand broadband access across Pakistan, particularly in underserved and remote areas, where conventional connectivity solutions have been challenging to implement.
During the meeting, both parties exchanged insights on leveraging satellite-based internet services to bridge the digital divide. Starlink, a satellite internet service provider backed by SpaceX, has been actively working on expanding its global footprint, and Pakistan’s growing demand for high-speed, reliable internet presents a strategic opportunity for collaboration. The PTA chairman reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to fostering innovation and adopting emerging technologies to support Pakistan’s nationwide connectivity goals.
One of the key takeaways from the discussion was Starlink’s registration process in Pakistan, which is currently underway. Chairman PTA highlighted that Starlink is in the process of fulfilling regulatory requirements with the relevant satellite registration bodies, a necessary step before obtaining a PTA license for operating satellite-based internet services in the country. This move aligns with Pakistan’s broader digital transformation agenda, which aims to enhance internet penetration, particularly in rural and remote areas where traditional fiber-optic or cellular networks remain limited.
The Starlink team shared its perspective on the growing competition in the global satellite internet sector and discussed the potential impact of cellular mobile services on the adoption of satellite broadband in Pakistan. Additionally, both parties deliberated on the regulatory frameworks that would govern satellite internet services and the necessary operational strategies to ensure seamless service delivery.
With an increasing reliance on digital connectivity for education, healthcare, e-commerce, and other essential services, the introduction of Starlink in Pakistan could offer a significant boost to the country’s digital landscape. High-speed satellite internet has the potential to empower businesses, enable remote work, and provide students in rural areas with access to quality educational resources. PTA remains committed to advancing Pakistan’s digital ecosystem by supporting technological initiatives that drive economic growth and digital inclusion. The collaboration with Starlink, if successfully implemented, could mark a milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to establish a more connected and digitally inclusive society.
