Starlink looks to construct multiple ground stations in Pakistan

The company plans to establish two or three ground stations in the country to provide satellite internet access nationwide.

Starlink has applied to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for the licenses necessary to operate in Pakistan.

In February 2022, Starlink submitted its application for a long-distance international (LDI) license, and in April 2022, it applied for 14 Local Loop (LL) licenses as part of its satellite internet expansion plan.

The PTA has forwarded Starlink's case to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MOITT) for further consultations.

Under Pakistan's National Satellite Policy 2023 and the Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024, satellite-based services are overseen by both federal and provincial authorities in collaboration with SUPARCO, the country's space agency.

In early January 2025, Musk confirmed that Starlink had applied for the necessary permissions to launch its services in Pakistan, and the company is awaiting approval.

The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology was briefed on January 22, 2025, and informed that the service could be rolled out once security clearance is granted.

PTA Chairman Maj-Gen (retd) Hafeezur Rehman stated that he hoped the approval process would be completed within one month.