The issuance of Starlink’s license to offer satellite internet services in Pakistan has encountered further delays after the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) decided against granting a full license based only on temporary registration, according to media reports.
The PTA’s decision follows clarification from the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) that Starlink currently holds only temporary registration and must fulfill all necessary regulatory requirements to obtain permanent status.
Initially, PSARB provided temporary registration to Starlink on March 21. However, official sources have now indicated that the PTA will issue a full operational license only after Starlink completes the procedures for permanent registration with PSARB.
Starlink representatives confirmed they await the final clearance from Pakistani authorities to launch their satellite internet services. They emphasized, however, that only the government and PTA can clarify the precise reasons behind the ongoing delays.
Earlier, IT Minister Shaza Fatima had briefed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology, stating that Starlink’s services would likely commence by November or December 2025. At the time, Fatima noted Starlink and China’s Shanghai Space as key players set to enter Pakistan’s satellite internet market.
PTA’s Chairman previously indicated Starlink’s temporary registration would be upgraded to a full license once regulations were finalized. Despite this current setback, Starlink is reportedly continuing its infrastructure preparations, though official service commencement remains dependent on meeting all legal and regulatory conditions.
