Hajra Naz
The National Assembly Standing Committee on IT & Telecom was recently informed that Elon Musk’s satellite internet benefit, Starlink, is anticipated to be dispatched to Pakistan within six months. The declaration was made by the Parliamentary Secretary for IT and Telecom, who shared that the long-awaited benefit would be accessible to Pakistani buyers shortly.
Starlink’s Journey to Launch
The Parliamentary Secretary revealed that Starlink first applied for a license in February 2022. However, at that time, authorities lacked the necessary framework to process the application. As a result, approval for the service was delayed. While progress is being made, it is expected that final approval will take a few more months.
PTA’s Update on Starlink’s Licensing Process
The Chairman of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, provided an update to the committee. He mentioned that 90 per cent of the discussions with the Space Regulatory Authority regarding Starlink have been completed. The Chairman also noted that the board responsible for overseeing the approval process operates under the Strategic Plans Division (military), which is handling the matter.
Additionally, the PTA Chairman disclosed that another satellite company has applied for a license alongside Starlink, signaling the potential for increased competition in the satellite internet market.
Read More: Starlink Internet Packages Prices & Availability in Pakistan Revealed
Concerns Over Delays and Bureaucratic Hurdles
The committee individuals expressed frustration over the drawn-out delays and bureaucratic obstacles that have hampered the permitting preparation for Starlink. They pushed the significance of moving forward without advance misfortunes and encouraged the specialists to speed up the endorsement preparation. The committee moreover coordinated the government government to take quick and conclusive activity to guarantee Starlink’s convenient dispatch.
Data Protection Concerns
A committee member raised concerns about the protection of user data, emphasizing the need for caution before granting the license to Starlink. With privacy and security at the forefront, the committee underscored the importance of safeguarding citizens’ data in line with international standards.
PTA’s Revenue Contributions and Investment Gap
The PTA Chairman highlighted the significant contributions made by the telecommunications sector to the country’s revenue, noting that over the past six years, the regulator has contributed a staggering Rs. 1,700 billion to the government. However, he pointed out that, despite these contributions, the government has not made any investment in the telecom sector.
Comparing Pakistan’s telecom investment to that of neighbouring India, the PTA Chairman stated that India has invested $13 billion in improving connectivity under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. In contrast, Pakistan has not allocated any funds toward fiberization, a crucial aspect of expanding broadband access across the country.
Efforts towards fiberization and Telecom Growth
Despite the need for government investment, the PTA Chairman guaranteed the committee that the Ministry of IT is effectively working on a fiberization approach. The objective is to move forward the country’s broadband framework and improve the network for all citizens. In expansion, beneath a comprehensive telecom plan, 2,000 new telecom towers were introduced final year, checking a noteworthy step forward in growing scope over Pakistan.
Read More: Elon Musk Must Apologize Before Starlink Approval In Pakistan
Conclusion: A Positive Outlook for Pakistan’s Telecom Future
Whereas there are still obstacles to overcome in the approval process for Starlink, the country’s developing telecom foundation and the proactive endeavours by the PTA flag a shining future for Pakistan’s network scene. With Starlink’s expected dispatch, as well as the continuous activities to make strides in fiberization, Pakistan is balanced to make considerable strides in bridging the digital divide and upgrading web get for its citizens.
