In a significant development for Pakistan’s digital landscape, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced that Starlink, the satellite-based internet service owned by Elon Musk, has been officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). This marks a pivotal step toward modernizing the country’s internet infrastructure and bridging its digital divide.
“Following the approval, the space board authority is examining various technical aspects, and we have communicated with Starlink about these,” the minister stated in an interview with Geo.tv. She also revealed that a regulatory regime is being developed to encourage participation from all Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite providers, ensuring a level playing field for international companies.
Progress Toward High-Speed Internet
Elon Musk had recently highlighted that Starlink was awaiting Islamabad’s nod to launch operations in Pakistan. This development came amidst ongoing deliberations on how to regulate and manage LEO satellite internet services. Officials confirmed that international consultants have been engaged to draft a comprehensive regulatory framework for these non-jurisdictional, non-stationary satellites.
“These satellites may interfere with local frequencies, so we are preparing a policy to address all technical and operational aspects,” officials noted. They added that Pakistan is taking the lead in the region, as no neighboring country has yet established a robust regime for LEO satellites.
Current Challenges in Pakistan’s Internet Ecosystem
Pakistan has long struggled with slow and unreliable internet services. According to the Ookla Speedtest Global Index, the country ranks 100th out of 111 countries for mobile internet speeds, with average download speeds of 20.61 Mbps and upload speeds of 8.53 Mbps. For broadband, Pakistan fares even worse, ranking 141st out of 158 countries, with average download and upload speeds of 15.60 Mbps and 15.53 Mbps, respectively.
This poor performance has had far-reaching implications, including financial losses for the IT industry and public dissatisfaction. The issue has been a subject of debate in the country’s parliament, but substantial improvements have yet to materialize. Moreover, periodic bans on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and suspected experimentation with digital firewalls have further complicated the situation.
The Promise of Starlink
Starlink’s entry into Pakistan brings hope for a transformative shift in internet accessibility. The satellite-based service aims to provide high-speed internet to even the most remote areas, potentially addressing the systemic issues that traditional infrastructure has failed to resolve. For a country grappling with persistent connectivity challenges, Starlink could be a game-changer.
The government’s proactive approach in facilitating Starlink’s registration signals its commitment to fostering a competitive digital environment. By developing a regulatory framework that accommodates all LEO satellite operators, Pakistan is setting the stage for innovation and global partnerships.
A Brighter Horizon with 2Africa Submarine Cable
Adding to the optimism, Pakistan is also set to benefit from the 2Africa Submarine Cable System. Spearheaded by a global consortium that includes Meta and Vodafone, this ambitious project involves the installation of a 45,000-kilometer-long cable connecting 46 locations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. With a massive capacity of 180 Tbps, the cable employs state-of-the-art SDM1 technology to deliver unparalleled bandwidth.
The project, facilitated locally by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Transworld Associates, is expected to significantly enhance the country’s internet capabilities. Installation commenced on December 1, 2024, with the first phase involving the Pre-Lay Shore End (PLSE) installation at Hawksbay, Karachi. The second phase, focused on deep-sea cable laying, is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2025. Once operational by Q4 2025, the system will provide Pakistan with 24 terabytes of bandwidth—a threefold increase over the current capacity of 8 terabytes provided by seven existing cables.
Implications for Digital Pakistan
The combined impact of Starlink’s satellite internet and the 2Africa cable could revolutionize Pakistan’s digital ecosystem. Enhanced connectivity will not only improve the performance of popular platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram but also create new opportunities for e-commerce, remote work, and online education. Businesses, especially in the IT sector, stand to benefit from faster and more reliable internet, enabling them to compete more effectively on the global stage.
Moreover, improved internet speeds can address long-standing issues such as rural-urban disparity in digital access. Remote areas, often neglected by traditional internet providers, could finally gain reliable connectivity, empowering communities with access to information, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While the developments are promising, challenges remain. The regulatory framework for LEO satellites must be comprehensive and forward-thinking to address issues such as frequency interference and fair competition. Furthermore, ensuring affordability and widespread adoption of these advanced internet services will be crucial to their success.
The government must also tackle the broader issues plaguing Pakistan’s internet landscape, including cybersecurity, data privacy, and digital literacy. Collaboration with international partners and local stakeholders will be essential to create an inclusive and sustainable digital environment.
The registration of Starlink and the progress on the 2Africa submarine cable mark a new chapter in Pakistan’s journey toward digital transformation. These initiatives have the potential to not only improve internet speeds and reliability but also unlock new avenues for economic growth and social development. As Pakistan prepares to embrace this technological leap, the focus must remain on creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation, inclusivity, and resilience.
