Pakistan is exploring the possibility of introducing Starlink satellite internet services to address its growing connectivity challenges. Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, confirmed ongoing discussions with the Elon Musk-owned company during a Senate Standing Committee meeting.
Shaza Khawaja highlighted the potential benefits of Starlink’s advanced satellite network, especially amid widespread internet disruptions affecting millions across the country. She also announced plans to auction the 5G spectrum in April 2024, aiming to modernize Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. However, she acknowledged that limited IT sector investment in recent years has hampered efforts to meet rising internet demands.
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In the same meeting, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman, Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman, addressed concerns about Virtual Private Network (VPN) usage and its implications for data security. Licensing for VPNs is set to begin in January 2024, a step towards reducing unregulated activity. Technical issues like firewall management and increased data consumption were identified as contributing factors to the country’s slow internet speeds.
The meeting also stressed the urgent need for reliable internet access, with Sajjad Syed, Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), emphasizing its critical role in supporting the country’s IT sector, which is growing at a 30% annual rate.
As discussions with Starlink progress, Pakistan’s government aims to improve internet services while balancing security and regulatory concerns. Minister Khawaja assured that the PTA is actively identifying regions most affected by internet issues, signaling efforts to resolve ongoing challenges.
