In an official announcement on March 21, 2025, Minisiter Shaza Fatima confirmed that Elon Musk Starlink granted NOC from Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA).
Starlink is a famous internet-based constellation satellite operated company which is providing high speed internet services worldwide, has finally secured green signal from Pakistan authorities through official channel to operate in Pakistan.
Space X launched the Starlink satellite in 2019, and now it consists of 7,000 mass-produced small satellites in the Low Earth Oribt (LEO) along with 4 million subscribers.
On January 15, 2025, Elon Musk announced that Starlink lodged official request to initiate internet services in Pakistan and was “waiting for its approval from the government” in response to a Pakistani netizen’s request.
Information Minister Shaza Fatima on Friday 21 March 2025, claimed that Elon Musk’s Starlink gets its temporary NOC (No Objection Certificate) to work on the instructions of the Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif.
According to the IT Ministry, registering Starlink is a “big step” to improve Pakistan’s internet services and IT infrastructure, which will surely lead the country towards digital development. “The PM Shebaz Sharif instructed us to improve the internet system in Pakistan. A modern solution like satellite-based internet will help to enhance connectivity in the country,” she added.
The IT Ministry also states that Starlink has issued a temporary NOC with all consensus of security and regularity that will mark the formal launch of satellite service in Pakistan. She also claimed that registration of Starlink services was a “whole government approach,” as the decision was made after consultation with a cybercrime agency, security agencies, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, and the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board.
Moreover, she also advised not paying any advance payment to Starlink or its associated websites, as Ministry has not been granted any license yet.
Musk Starlink internet services in Pakistan after its launch would include residential, business and personal mobile packages and its anticipated monthly cost will range from Rs.25,000 to Rs.95,000 offering the speed from 50 to 250 Mbps with Rs.110,000 one-time fee for hardware additionally.
