The chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has informed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology that the Space Board has granted Starlink a temporary licence to provide services in Pakistan. The company will receive a full licence once its regulations are finalized.

Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima explained that there are no major issues with Starlink’s licence, as satellite internet is a new technology with various aspects to consider. A consultant has been hired to finalize the regulations, after which Starlink will need to reapply for the full licence.

Fatima also mentioned that Starlink’s services will be available in Pakistan by November or December, once the necessary infrastructure is set up.

Meanwhile, a Chinese company has also applied for satellite internet services. The committee has formed a subcommittee to address spectrum license issues and has called Ministry of Interior officials to brief them about the internet shutdown in Balochistan at the next meeting.