Starlink gets PTA approval... but you might not be able to afford it

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has given a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Starlink, bringing the satellite-based internet service a step closer to launching in Pakistan. Sources confirmed this approval on Friday.

The Pakistan Space Activity Regulatory Board approved the NOC, which was a necessary step before Starlink could apply for a PTA licence. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif played a key role in pushing for this decision as part of the government’s efforts to improve digital connectivity across the country.

Starlink, a company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), applied for a telecom licence on 24 February 2022. The request was sent to the Ministry of IT in March 2022 for review. Now, with the NOC secured, the final steps for issuing Starlink’s official licence are underway.

PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman recently met with Starlink’s team at the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. The discussions focused on improving digital connectivity, making broadband more affordable, and reaching remote areas with internet services.

Before officially launching, Starlink must also register with the relevant satellite regulatory authority, which is a necessary step in getting PTA’s satellite internet licence.

Expected Packages & Prices

Although there is no confirmed launch date yet, reports suggest that Starlink will offer three internet packages in Pakistan:

Residential Package: Rs25,000 per month with a one-time hardware fee of Rs112,000–140,000.

Business Package: Rs95,000 per month with a one-time setup cost of Rs220,000.

Mobility Package: Rs50,000 per month with a one-time hardware cost of Rs120,000.

While Starlink’s high-speed internet is a major improvement over traditional broadband, the high prices may make it unaffordable for many Pakistanis.

Even after obtaining its PTA licence, Starlink will still face several challenges before starting operations in Pakistan. A number of factors could result in delays, including building infrastructure, obtaining security approvals to ensure smooth operations, and integrating with the existing telecom system. These steps could take at least a year.

Another challenge is the regulatory framework for satellite internet. Unlike fibre-optic or mobile internet, satellite-based services require extra security and frequency approvals, which could delay the rollout further.

Despite these challenges, Starlink’s arrival could shake up the broadband industry in Pakistan. It may push existing internet service providers (ISPs) to improve their services and offer better connectivity, especially in rural areas where reliable internet is still hard to access.

Overall, while Starlink’s launch may take some time, its entry into Pakistan’s market is expected to bring more competition and better internet services in the long run.