Pakistan grants provisional license to Starlink

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman announced on Monday that the country has granted a provisional license to Starlink, paving the way for its official operations.

Addressing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, Rehman stated that the licensing process involves several regulatory stages, with the company already registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the Space Regulatory Authority. A final registration will be granted once all necessary steps are completed.

Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima disclosed that Starlink had initially committed to fulfilling all requirements by June but has now been given a deadline until May.

Fatima added that the pricing model for Starlink's services will also be discussed. Additionally, some Chinese companies have applied for licenses, and Starlink is expected to receive final approval soon, with public access anticipated by November or December.

Meanwhile, speaking at the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology meeting, Fatima emphasized that the upcoming 5G spectrum auction must not be solely driven by revenue considerations.

Fatima noted that Pakistan currently operates on 274 MHz, but unresolved legal cases have complicated the auction process. Rehman explained that of the 196 MHz earmarked for auction, 146 MHz remains locked in pending litigation. Other spectrum-related cases involving telecom firms continue to create obstacles.

Several companies, including Shalimar and Zong Telecom, have obtained stay orders from the Supreme Court, preventing auction proceedings. Shalimar has reportedly retained 140 MHz under legal protection since 2007. Fatima pointed out that Zong is utilizing spectrum resources without payment, while the court has delayed its decision for the past two years.

In response to the legal deadlock, the parliamentary committee announced the formation of a subcommittee to address outstanding spectrum cases. The subcommittee, chaired by Barrister Gohar, will include members Barrister Umair Niazi, Ammar Leghari, and Sharmila Faruqi.

Officials reiterated the need for telecom companies to be granted financial relief to ensure their stability once 5G services launch. She stressed that the government must prevent companies from facing financial ruin before the new technology is fully deployed.