Pakistan puts Starlink approval on hold

Cites monitoring gaps, geopolitical sensitivities

ISLAMABAD:

The government has delayed issuing a licence to Starlink to operate in Pakistan, citing concerns over data security, the ongoing Musk–Trump fallout, and the growing competition from Chinese satellite firms, a pause that reflects Islamabad's increasing caution over who controls the country's digital skies.

Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, is among several companies seeking entry into Pakistan's satellite internet market, but officials say unresolved security and geopolitical considerations have slowed the approval process.

Sources told The Express Tribune that the government had come to know that Starlink could transmit certain data while bypassing Pakistan's monitoring, regulatory and safety checks.

"We cannot allow a license to Starlink without ensuring a safety check to ensure the safety of the data of consumers in Pakistan," a senior government official said.

Officials further said that the row between US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk had also become another reason the Pakistani establishment was not ready to grant security clearance, fearing it could provoke displeasure from US President Donald Trump.

Starlink is one of five companies currently struggling to launch satellite internet services in Pakistan. The companies have applied for licences to roll out satellite-based internet services in the country.

President Trump and Musk had enjoyed good relations in the past, but later entered into a dispute.

Pakistan and the US have enjoyed improved relations since Trump returned to power, and therefore, Pakistan does not want to take any step that could raise concerns in Washington.

"But the real reason is that the government has tested some cases in which Starlink was supposed to pick up some sensitive data while providing satellite-based internet services," sources said, adding that the government is working to address the issue, which has delayed granting a licence to Starlink.

At present, Pakistan retains control over internet data as Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) is a majority shareholder in the undersea cable infrastructure. However, authorities fear they would not have similar control over satellite-based internet data and that foreign companies, particularly Starlink, might be involved in data theft.

Sources further said that satellite-based services would primarily be provided in remote areas such as Balochistan, where conventional internet services are either limited or unavailable.

Currently, relevant authorities are able to monitor internet services and can even suspend connectivity in the event of security concerns. However, officials fear they may face difficulties blocking satellite-based services when required.

The telecom operator Starlink has completed its technical groundwork to launch satellite-based internet services in Pakistan, but the regulatory framework remains unfinished.

At present, five companies are seeking licences for satellite-based internet services in Pakistan, with plans to invest millions of dollars in the country.

According to the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB), five companies, including Starlink and Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology Limited (SSST), have shown strong interest in providing satellite internet services.

The other companies include OneWeb (Eutelsat Group), Project Kuiper of the Amazon Group and the Canadian satellite company Telesat. These firms are also willing to launch satellite-based internet services in Pakistan and are said to have completed much of the preparatory work.

Chinese companies already have greater penetration in Pakistan than US firms. The Chinese companies are also seeking entry into Pakistan's satellite internet market and view Starlink as a direct competitor.

However, the registration process remains pending with the PSARB board, which has yet to finalise the licensing regime.

According to PSARB officials, the government has completed consultations with stakeholders, but requires more time to put safety mechanisms in place before allowing satellite-based internet services to commence operations.