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Express Tribune
07-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
'Starlink may be launched by year-end'
Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Monday announced that a provisional license has been issued to Starlink to provide satellite-based internet services in Pakistan, and the service could become available in the country by November or December this year. Speaking during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, chaired by Syed Aminul Haque, the minister said final regulatory approval for Starlink's operations was still pending. However, she confirmed there were no complications in the licensing process. Starlink, the satellite internet service developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX, was granted a provisional license by the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB), addressing earlier security concerns related to the new technology. "Satellite internet is a new technology and requires careful consideration," said Khawaja. She added that a Chinese firm, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), had also applied for a license, and the government was actively encouraging competition in the satellite internet sector. Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (Retd) Hafeezur Rehman, informed the committee that Starlink's license is currently temporary and that a permanent license will be issued once all regulatory processes are finalised. A consultant has been hired to develop comprehensive regulations for satellite internet services. Rehman further revealed that several spectrum-related cases are pending in courts, which could delay the 5G auction. Currently, Pakistan utilises only 274 MHz of the available spectrum, whereas around 860 MHz is required for optimal connectivity. The NA committee formed a sub-committee to examine pending litigation concerning spectrum issues and assess how court-imposed stay orders have financially impacted the national exchequer. Gohar Ali Khan was appointed as the convener, with members Umair Khan Niazi, Ammar Ahmad Khan Leghari, and Sharmila Farooqui. The IT minister stressed that future spectrum auctions should not focus solely on revenue but must also support industry health and infrastructure development. The committee also reviewed the status of the secure communication app 'BEEP' developed for government officials. National Information Technology Board (NITB) CEO Babar Majid Bhatti informed the committee that the app, resembling WhatsApp with enhanced security, is ready for launch. It includes features like secure messaging, audio/video calls, document sharing, and Zoom-style conferencing. The committee recommended the immediate launch of the app and directed that final security clearance be coordinated with the National Telecommunication and Information Security Board (NTISB). During the meeting, committee member Pullain Baloch walked out in protest over the lack of internet services in his constituency. The chairman noted that a letter had been sent to the Secretary of Interior on the matter, followed by a reminder, but no response had been received. The committee decided to summon the secretary in the next meeting to provide a clear timeline for restoring internet services. The IT minister cited security concerns in remote areas, stating that terrorists have misused internet access. Concerns were also raised over mobile connectivity issues in Karachi. The PTA chairman responded that two show-cause notices were issued during the last week of Ramazan. He explained that prolonged power outages had disrupted mobile signal backup systems, causing service interruptions.
Los Angeles Times
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Douglas Kiker, the ‘Singing Garbage Man' who wowed ‘American Idol' judges, dies at 32
Douglas Kiker, the 'American Idol' contestant known as the 'Singing Garbage Man,' has died, his sisters announced this week. He was 32. 'It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of my brother Douglas Kiker,' Angela Evans wrote Wednesday on Facebook. 'He was sooo loved and will be missed by so many! [You're] singing with the [angels] now Bubba.' She also asked for prayers for the family as they go through a 'difficult time.' 'It is with heavy hearts that we have to say goodbye to one of the most sincere souls and most hilarious person of all,' his family said on a GoFundMe set up to cover funeral costs and transportation of his body from Denver. 'Douglas, a beloved son, brother, father and friend.' Kiker, who had two children with Valerie Cook, died Monday at Colorado's Denver Health Medical Center, a representative of the Denver Medical Examiner's office told The Times Friday in an email. He had been transported there by ambulance on March 5 from a few blocks east of City Center Park. 'The cause and manner of death are pending investigation,' the email said. Kiker earned his nickname because he sang while working his day job, hanging off the back of a garbage truck in Mobile, Ala. He auditioned for Season 18 of 'American Idol' with zero performing experience under his belt, saying he was doing it for his little girl. He made it to Hollywood Week after charming the judges with his take on 'Bless the Broken Road.' Luke Bryan even jumped on the piano mid-audition to help Kiker figure out his range, challenging him to hit different notes. 'For a man who does not know what his voice can do, for a man who does not have an idea of what key he's singing in, for a man who does not have an idea of who he can be, he's here to do one thing. He's trying to show his daughter that he's somebody,' judge Lionel Richie proclaimed. 'I want us all to let you know, you're a hell of a man.' The judges and host Ryan Seacrest lined up to give Kiker his ticket to Hollywood. As the judges hugged him one by one, Katy Perry wiped away a few tears. Kiker wouldn't make it past Hollywood Week but returned to the show for the finale, doing a virtual performance of his audition song with Rascal Flatts, the group that made 'Bless the Broken Road' — first recorded by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band — a hit in 2005. By that time, the world was in COVID-19 lockdown, hence the televised performance that saw the singers, judges and host each in his or her own Zoom-style box. 'Wow y'all! I can't believe I actually got to sing with Rascal Flatts,' Kiker wrote on YouTube in May 2020. 'So much has happened since my first audition y'all. I am working on putting together an album!' His brother William Kiker posted a remembrance this week on Facebook. 'Dear brother I just want you to know that [no] matter where you are you will always be my baby brother,' he wrote. 'I know you are finally at [peace] I just wish I had more time with you so until I can see you again say hey to bubba for me and tell him I love him rest in peace Douglas Kiker my baby brother.'
