Bridging the digital divide

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Pakistan's failure to timely regulate the entry of satellite internet providers is yet another example of policy paralysis stifling progress. In a country where millions still lack reliable internet access, especially in remote and underserved regions, the arrival of satellite-based internet should have marked a turning point. Instead, we are once again caught reacting to circumstances that could - and should - have been anticipated.

The expiration of Starlink's temporary no-objection certificate in March, and the subsequent regulatory freeze, was avoidable. Authorities are only now finalising the Satellite Communications Regulations, following heightened geopolitical sensitivities in the aftermath of regional conflicts. This reactive policymaking — triggered only once the pressure mounts — highlights the absence of institutional foresight.

Pakistan had ample time to develop a forward-looking framework before granting provisional approvals. That it failed to do so speaks volumes about the state's approach to digital advancement. And yet, despite this mismanagement, there is a silver lining: the growing interest of multiple Low Earth Orbit satellite operators in entering Pakistan's market. Beyond Starlink, companies like OneWeb and Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology have expressed intent to operate here. Their interest signals confidence in Pakistan's potential — a much-needed prospect for both technological advancement and foreign investment.

The government must now rise to the occasion. This is a rare opportunity to diversify Pakistan's internet ecosystem and attract cutting-edge technology to boost digital inclusion. But for this promise to materialise, regulatory clarity and transparency are non-negotiable. Policymaking must be agile, not arbitrary. A future-ready Pakistan demands future-ready policies. The state must abandon its ad-hocism and commit to long-term planning — not just for satellite internet, but for the broader digital infrastructure that will define the country's trajectory in the years to come.