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IT minister confirms Starlink internet launch timeline in Pakistan
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Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima, said that SpaceX's Starlink internet services are expected to become operational in Pakistan by November or December this year.
The announcement was made during a meeting of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, chaired by MNA Aminul Haque. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) briefed the committee on the licensing process for Starlink.
PTA Chairman confirmed that Starlink has been granted a temporary licence by the Space Board, adding that a full operational licence would be issued once regulatory frameworks are finalised.
'There are no issues with the licensing process,' Minister Shaza Fatima stated, clarifying that satellite internet is a new technology and various aspects needed to be evaluated thoroughly. 'A consultant has been hired to finalise the regulations. Once done, Starlink will have to reapply,' she added.
The minister also revealed that a Chinese company had submitted a similar application for providing satellite internet services in Pakistan. 'Shanghai Spacecom is also in the queue. We want to open the space internet sector to multiple players to ensure competition,' she said.
The minister confirmed that infrastructure installation is underway and Starlink services are expected to launch in the last quarter of 2025.
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