Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has announced that Pakistan is engaging in discussions with Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite-based internet company, to bring its services to the country. This was disclosed during a Senate Standing Committee meeting on IT and Telecommunication chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan.
Highlighting the government’s digital goals, Khawaja revealed plans to auction the 5G spectrum in April 2024, positioning the country for technological advancement. She emphasized that bringing Starlink to Pakistan could address persistent connectivity challenges, especially in remote and underserved regions.
Read more: Internet Shutdowns: Will Musk’s Starlink Activate on PTI’s Request?
Challenges in the IT Sector
The minister acknowledged barriers to digital growth, such as minimal IT investment in recent years and growing demands on internet infrastructure. Technical issues like poor firewall management and increased data consumption have exacerbated disruptions.
Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), Sajjad Syed, stressed the importance of dependable internet for the IT industry, which is expanding at an annual rate of 30%. Syed urged a collaborative approach between the government and private sector to overcome these issues.
VPN Licensing and Data Security
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman, Major General (Retd) Hafeezur Rehman, announced the launch of a VPN licensing system in January 2024. This initiative aims to address data security concerns linked to unregulated services while ensuring smooth operations for businesses dependent on VPNs.
However, Senator Afanullah Khan highlighted the technical challenges of implementing such measures and called for clearer policies to mitigate potential disruptions for internet users and businesses.
Starlink’s Promise and Future Prospects
Starlink’s satellite-based technology offers faster and more reliable internet, which could be transformative for areas with limited connectivity in Pakistan. However, its success hinges on navigating regulatory and logistical challenges.
The government’s dialogue with Starlink reflects its broader commitment to building a robust digital ecosystem that supports the country’s thriving IT sector. As Khawaja stated, “Reliable internet is not just a convenience but a necessity for Pakistan’s digital future.”
