Elon Musk has confirmed that Starlink, his satellite internet service, is poised to launch in Pakistan, pending government approval. The tech billionaire made the announcement in response to a post on his platform, X, from a Pakistani user requesting that Starlink be introduced to the country.
Musk’s confirmation has generated excitement among Pakistanis, who are eager to address the digital divide and improve internet connectivity in a nation facing significant infrastructure challenges.
This announcement comes amid Pakistan’s ongoing struggles with frequent internet outages, making it the most impacted country in 2024, according to an independent report. With the growing demand for reliable internet access, Starlink’s potential entry could represent a transformative advancement for the country.
Negotiations with the Govt
Discussions between Pakistan and Starlink are currently in progress, with Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the Minister of State for IT, confirming active negotiations during a parliamentary session. She emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing internet services despite ongoing challenges, including recent disruptions and security-related surveillance measures.
A key obstacle to Starlink’s entry has been regulatory concerns, particularly the potential interference with Pakistan’s geostationary satellite, PakSAT-MM1. While these issues have previously hindered progress, the renewed efforts to bring Starlink to Pakistan reflect the government’s focus on tackling the nation’s connectivity crisis.
Internet disruptions
Pakistan’s need for better internet infrastructure has become more critical than ever. A report by Top10VPN.com highlighted that the country experienced the highest number of global internet outages in 2024, with 16,540 hours of disruption, leading to an estimated $1.62 billion in financial losses. This placed Pakistan ahead of Myanmar and Sudan in terms of the economic impact of internet disruptions.
These outages, coupled with inconsistent internet access in rural and underserved regions, have hindered opportunities for education, business, and communication, making satellite internet a promising solution to bridge the digital divide.
Potential impact of Starlink in Pakistan
If approved, Starlink could transform internet access in Pakistan by providing reliable, high-speed satellite connectivity to both urban and remote areas. With a network of over 7,000 satellites, Starlink has already made notable progress in bringing broadband to underserved communities worldwide.
Musk’s confirmation of interest has fueled hope among millions of Pakistanis, especially as Starlink’s technology offers a solution to the limitations of traditional internet infrastructure. As the country awaits the government’s decision, the potential launch of Starlink represents a promising turning point for Pakistan’s digital future.
