State Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, informed the National Assembly that two international companies—Elon Musk’s Starlink Internet Services Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. and Chinese satellite firm Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology—have applied for licenses to operate in Pakistan.
In a written statement, she explained that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is currently processing applications only from companies registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). As per PTA’s regulations, only locally registered entities can apply for licenses. While international companies cannot directly apply, those registered with SECP are eligible. Both Starlink, a SpaceX subsidiary offering satellite-based internet services, and Shanghai Spacecom, a specialist in satellite communications, are pursuing opportunities to expand under this framework.
The minister assured that the licensing process is straightforward once applications are submitted, with the PTA reviewing them upon completion of formalities and, if necessary, security clearance from the Ministry of Interior. She also highlighted the introduction of the Online Application Submission Information System (OASIS), which allows applicants to submit documents and track their application status online.
To ensure service quality, the PTA actively monitors internet providers under the Fixed Broadband Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations, 2022. Regular evaluations are conducted to meet global performance standards, ensuring reliable and high-quality internet connectivity across the country.
