Pakistan grants temporary NOC to Starlink, paving way for satellite internet

Pakistan has issued a temporary No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Elon Musk's Starlink after consultations with all security and regulatory agencies, Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed.

The approval follows a “whole-of-government” approach, involving the Cyber Crime Agency, security agencies, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and the Space Authority. The PTA will now oversee Starlink’s fee payment and the completion of other licensing requirements.

“With Starlink’s arrival, satellite internet will officially be launched in Pakistan,” Shaza said. She emphasized that on the instructions of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the government ensured Starlink’s registration, marking a major step toward enhancing the country’s internet system.

"The approval of satellite internet is a milestone for Pakistan’s digital future," she added. "Modern solutions like satellite internet will improve connectivity nationwide."

A PTA spokesperson told Nukta that the authority will assess whether Starlink meets all regulatory requirements before granting a formal license.

These requirements include registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), compliance with the Pakistan Special Authority for Radio-Based Services (PSARB), obtaining additional NOCs, and submitting technical and business plans.

Starlink’s entry is expected to be a game-changer, especially in areas where traditional broadband infrastructure, such as fiber cables or radio towers, is unavailable.

The company’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites provide more stable and reliable connectivity by operating closer to Earth than traditional geostationary satellites.

Satellites usually orbit the earth at a distance of around 3,600 kilometers from the surface, whereas Starlink has released a large number of LEO satellites that circle the earth between 300-500 kilometers.

While Starlink continues to work with the PTA on licensing, its approval signals a broader shift in Pakistan’s approach to satellite-based internet services.