Starlink Granted Temporary Approval to Operate in Pakistan
Starlink's temporary approval offers a chance to boost internet access in underserved regions of Pakistan.
The door to satellite internet in Pakistan is finally starting to crack open. Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, has secured a temporary green light to operate in the country.
On March 21, 2025, Starlink received a no-objection certificate (NOC) from national regulators, which means Starlink can start setting up its service. It remains unclear how long the temporary NOC will last or when Starlink might receive permanent approval. But this could still be a big deal for improving internet access across the country.
Pakistan’s internet access has been growing over the years, with a reported 111 million users as of January 2024 (about 45.7% of the population). But many rural and underserved areas still lack reliable, high-speed internet due to the high cost and complexity of expanding fiber and mobile networks.
This is where Starlink's Low Earth Orbit satellites could change everything. By beaming internet directly from space, the service promises to deliver speeds that rival local fiber-optic networks such as OptoMe, without the need for costly ground infrastructure. To put this in perspective, Pakistan’s reported average internet speed is around 15–20 Mbps. Starlink’s network, on the other hand, aims to offer much faster speeds at 100 to 200 Mbps with latency as low as 20 ms.
Starlink’s expansion into Pakistan fits into its broader growth strategy in the region. The service is already available in countries like Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, with plans to enter India soon. If successful in Pakistan, Starlink could become a model for improving connectivity in other emerging markets.
Kelechi Edeh
But there are hurdles ahead.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will closely monitor this trial period before considering permanent approval. Questions remain about affordability, local infrastructure needs, and how Starlink will navigate Pakistan's regulatory landscape.
But one thing's certain: if Starlink delivers on its promises, it could do more than just improve internet speeds - it could transform how Pakistan learns, works, and connects with the world.
