Starlink To Launch Satellite Communication Service in Pakistan

Staff Report

The Starlink is set to start a satellite communication service in Pakistan.
The caretaker government has recently approved the National Space Policy, allowing private companies to use low-orbit satellites for the country’s first satellite communication service.

Starlink may be the first company to launch a low-orbit satellite service for satellite communication, already having a network of 3,000 to 4,000 low-orbit satellites in space.

The government has estimated an annual economic loss of USD 40 million due to an unregulated space sector, with 70% of resources remaining unutilized. PayPal to Operate in Pakistan in Partnership with Payoneer

Umar Saif, the caretaker IT minister, stated that all international companies would be allowed to launch their satellite communication service in Pakistan after obtaining an NOC from the Ministry of Defence.

The private sector will contribute 6 percent of income to the Government’s Research and Development (R&D) Fund.

The minister announced that the PTA would issue licenses to private parties interested in launching satellite communication services in Pakistan.

He added that Pakistanis, especially those in remote areas without a fiber cable network, will be able to use the low-orbit satellite service for communication.
He mentioned that the cabinet had already approved this policy for implementation.

Sources stated that the Cabinet was briefed on the vital importance of the National Space Policy for fully exploiting the potential of the space frontier.

It provides a structured framework for responsible and profitable space activities, promoting economic sustainability and enhancing the country’s global standing in the space arena.

The Cabinet was informed that Pakistan had never had such a policy, adversely affecting the development of the space sector and resulting in 70% of resources remaining unutilized, with an estimated annual economic loss of USD 40 million.

The Cabinet was apprised that the space sector lacked clear strategic direction, commercialization guidelines, and mechanisms for Public-Private Partnerships and Joint Ventures, leading to national projects heavily reliant on foreign loans and burdening the national exchequer.

It was informed that the National Space Policy was carefully devised after inter-ministerial consultations with key stakeholders, including the Ministries of IT&T, PTA, PEMRA, and FAB, incorporating their input.

The Federal Cabinet was requested to approve the National Space Policy.

A Cabinet member highlighted that the policy aimed to maximize benefits from space technology and applications, covering all space activities, including civil, commercial, and national security uses.

He explained that during policy formulation, certain issues required well-informed solutions and a way forward.

With the new technology of low-orbit satellites, the policy’s scope was to be decided. Concerns about the role of SUPARCO and protecting its interests were addressed by stipulating that the private sector would contribute a percentage of income to the Government’s R&D Fund.

The Cabinet welcomed the policy. One member emphasized the need for careful consideration of all layers and entities involved in space, a sensitive matter.

Another member opined that the same entity should not be both regulator and service provider, as it creates a conflict of interest, a policy applying to SUPARCO.