Starlink’s Pakistan director Sikander Naqi has clarified the regulatory requirements the company must meet before launching satellite internet services in Pakistan.
Naqi said four key requirements remain central to the approval process. These include registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), finalisation of space regulations, an FSS licence and required security clearances.
Where Do Starlink’s Requirements Stand?
Naqi said only SECP registration has been completed so far. The remaining requirements depend on the government formally issuing the relevant licensing framework and space regulations.
“Except SECP registration, the remaining requirements are operator-specific and can only be formally fulfilled once the government has officially issued the relevant FSS licensing framework and space regulations.”
He said consultations on the Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) licensing framework have already taken place with industry stakeholders. According to Starlink’s information, the framework has now been finalised.
The space regulations have also reportedly been finalised. However, they are still awaiting approval through the government’s internal process.
Naqi said the required security clearances are understood to form part of this regulatory framework. The process therefore depends on the government completing the remaining regulatory steps.
PTA Clarifies Satellite Internet Rules
Naqi’s comments follow recent statements by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) before a Senate committee. The regulator said LEO satellite operators must meet regulatory and security requirements before receiving permission to operate.
The PTA also said no Starlink licence application was pending before the authority at that time. Naqi’s explanation provides additional detail about the steps required before an operator can formally complete the licensing process.
INTERPOL Clearance Raises Questions
Naqi also discussed the security-clearance process involving foreign directors. He said one security agency had reportedly requested an INTERPOL-related clearance.
According to Naqi, this aspect may require further clarification. He said any additional procedural requirement could potentially contribute to delays in completing the approval process.
Impact of Delays on Connectivity
Naqi highlighted the potential impact of continued delays on connectivity in underserved parts of Pakistan. He said schools and hospitals could particularly benefit from reliable satellite-based internet services.
Connectivity challenges are also being discussed in sectors such as railways and aviation. Concerns include the quality, resilience and availability of broadband services.
Naqi noted that a senior regulator has acknowledged that some of these connectivity challenges could potentially be addressed through LEO satellite technology.
Starlink’s Plans for Pakistan
Starlink has been seeking entry into Pakistan’s telecommunications market for several years. The company was previously reported to have registered locally as Starlink Internet Services (Private) Limited.
Once approved, Starlink could provide broadband connectivity in areas where traditional land-based infrastructure remains unavailable or difficult to deploy. Schools, hospitals and other institutions in underserved locations could potentially use satellite internet to improve access.
However, the service cannot officially launch until the required regulatory, licensing and security procedures are completed. The timing of Starlink’s commercial rollout will therefore depend on the government’s completion of the remaining approval process.
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