Pakistan Delays License to Starlink Over Trump-Musk Row, Data Theft Fears

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s establishment is reluctant to grant Starlink a license for satellite-based internet services, citing concerns over data theft and the tussle between Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

Sources told NewzToday that Starlink is one of the five companies that have applied for a license to provide satellite internet-based services in Pakistan. Starlink is owned by Elon Musk.

President of the United States Donald Trump and Elon Musk had enjoyed good relations in the past, but they entered into a battle.Starlink To Launch Satellite Communication Service in Pakistan

Sources said that the battle between these two American men had led to a concern in Pakistan regarding the issuance of a license to Starlink for satellite-based internet services in the country.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani military establishment, including the army chief, is being welcomed by US President Donald Trump. So, the Pakistani establishment fears that the grant of a license to Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, could lead to anger in Donald Trump, and Pakistan could face backlash in relations with the US.

At present, Pakistan has control over internet data as PTCL is majority shareholder in cables. But Pakistan fears that it would not have control over the satellite-based internet data, and therefore, foreign companies, especially Starlink, might be involved in data theft from Pakistan.

These are two key reasons that have halted the process of issuing a license to Starlink,” sources said.

The telecom operator Starlink has completed its work to launch satellite-based internet service in the country, but the regulatory framework remains unfinished.

At present, five companies are eying to get licenses for satellite-based internet services in Pakistan, aimed at investing millions of dollars in Pakistan.

Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) says that five companies, including Starlink and the Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology Limited (SSST), have expressed keen interest in providing services in Pakistan.

The other companies included OneWeb (Eutelsat Group), Project Kuiper of the Amazon Group, and the Canadian Satellite Company Telesat. They have also expressed willingness to provide services and have completed the groundwork to launch services in Pakistan. 

The registration process is still pending at the PSARB board, which has to take decisio yet to finalise the licensing regime.

According to PSARB, the consultation process with stakeholders is still underway. Officials say that more time is required to complete the consultation process.

The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication officials say that the issue of security clearance has delayed the grant of a licence to Starlink, adding that the draft regulation has been circulated among concerned government departments.

Similarly, the Minister for IT & telecom, Shaza Fatima, had claimed earlier to start satellite internet services by November or December this year.