Starlink’s entry into the Pakistani market has hit another roadblock as its temporary registration with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) has expired. This development further delays the global satellite internet provider’s official launch in the country.
The company had been granted temporary registration on March 21, but failed to meet the criteria for permanent registration — a mandatory step before the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) can issue an operational license. A government source confirmed that the registration expired in June, and no renewal has been granted yet.
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Starlink has acknowledged the lapse, with representatives stating that the matter is under internal review. Insiders say the company is awaiting clearer policy guidelines from the Pakistani government before moving forward with commercial operations.
This delay comes despite initial progress earlier this year when Starlink received a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from PTA, following approval from PSARB and backing from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to boost digital access in the country. However, without a permanent registration, the launch remains uncertain.