Starlink
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, convened to discuss the licensing process for satellite internet services, focusing on Starlink’s potential operations in Pakistan. The meeting delved into regulatory, security, and political concerns surrounding the issue.
During the session, the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) revealed that Starlink had applied for registration on February 24, 2022. The application was referred to the Ministry of Interior for security clearance.
Currently, the matter is under review by the newly established Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (PASRB), which will determine whether to grant the license.
A significant point of contention was Elon Musk’s recent remarks on social media, which some committee members perceived as an anti-Pakistan campaign.
Senator Palwasha Khan criticized Musk, accusing him of aligning with India’s narrative and spreading baseless allegations against Pakistan. “It seems Elon Musk has partnered with India to propagate false allegations against Pakistan,” she remarked.
Senator Afnan Ullah Khan suggested making Musk’s public apology a prerequisite for granting Starlink a license. “The PTA must consider Musk’s campaign against Pakistan before issuing a license. He should apologize for his statements before any further steps are taken,” he demanded.
Special Secretary of IT acknowledged the sensitivities involved in providing satellite internet services in Pakistan, especially given its strategic implications. He clarified that Musk’s recent tweets claiming approval processes were underway were misleading, as there had been no direct engagement between Starlink and Pakistani authorities.
The committee also raised questions about the National Space Policy 2023 and the role of the PTA in transferring funds to the newly established PASRB. Former IT Minister Senator Anusha Rahman expressed concerns about whether the caretaker government had the constitutional authority to implement such policies.
The session concluded with a directive for detailed briefings from the Ministry of IT and PTA to address unresolved issues related to satellite internet licensing, including Starlink’s application.
Starlink Subscription Process
Individuals interested in subscribing to Starlink must:
- Visit the Starlink website and enter their address to check service availability.
- Pay a refundable deposit, typically USD 99, to secure a spot in the queue.
- Receive the Starlink Kit, including a dish, Wi-Fi router, power supply, cables, and mounting tripod.
- Install the dish in an open area with a clear sky view and complete the setup using the Starlink app.
