Starlink Granted Temporary NOC to Launch Services in Pakistan
Elon Musk's satellite internet venture, Starlink, has received a temporary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) as reported by ARYnews, allowing it to commence operations within the country.
This development marks a significant step towards the government's efforts to enhance Pakistan's digital infrastructure where most common services like PayPal are still not available. Pakistan's Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed the temporary registration, stating that it was granted following the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Starlink registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and applied for a telecom license on February 24, 2022.
- With the NOC now secured, the process for obtaining an official operating license is in its final stages.
However, due to necessary regulatory integrations, infrastructure development, and security approvals, it may take up to a year before Starlink's services are fully operational across Pakistan.
The introduction of Starlink's satellite-based internet service is anticipated to significantly improve connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved regions of Pakistan. This aligns with the government's ongoing efforts to bolster the country's digital landscape and provide high-speed internet access to all citizens.
In related developments, discussions have highlighted the potential of compact solar generators to power Starlink's equipment. Elon Musk noted that basic camping solar panels, coupled with a small battery, can effectively run Starlink all day, given the equipment's power consumption ranges between 45W to 150W.
The collaboration between Starlink and Pakistan signifies a pivotal move towards achieving comprehensive digital connectivity, fostering economic growth, and bridging the digital divide within the nation.
