Satellite internet from Elon Musk’s Starlink has been “close” in Pakistan for more than a year. As of late August 2026, the government was still finalising the regulations and licensing framework needed for commercial satellite broadband, ProPakistani reported.
Where approval stands
- Company registration: Starlink Internet Services (Private) Limited is registered with the SECP and the Pakistan Software Export Board.
- Provisional registration: Starlink received provisional registration in March 2025, which lets it plan ground infrastructure, Mettis Global reported.
- The rules: the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) has drafted satellite communications regulations, and the PTA has developed a Fixed Satellite Services licensing framework.
- Final step: once the rules are approved, the PTA licence is the last step before services can start.
Who else wants in
OneWeb, China’s Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology and Sateliot have approached Pakistani regulators. Amazon’s Project Kuiper plans to launch services by the end of 2026 and to build gateways in the country.
What satellite internet could change
Remote areas
Low-earth-orbit satellites can bring broadband to villages in Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where fibre and mobile towers do not reach. IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja has said satellite broadband is a key part of the digital strategy.
Freelancers and businesses
Pakistan has one of the world’s largest freelancer communities. Reliable backup connectivity would help during outages and network disruptions.
The cost question
Starlink’s equipment and monthly fees in neighbouring countries are far above typical Pakistani broadband prices, so early users are likely to be businesses and remote installations rather than households.
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