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Starlink Registers with Pakistan’s SECP

In a significant development, Elon Musk’s Starlink has officially registered with Pakistan’s Security Exchange Commission (SECP). The satellite internet provider aims to address the country’s long-standing internet connectivity challenges.

Government’s Approval Process

Minister of State for IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, confirmed the registration. She stated that technical aspects are being reviewed by the space board authority. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create a regulatory regime for low earth orbit (LEO) satellite providers.

“All LEO satellite companies, including Starlink, will have an open and inclusive regulatory framework,” she added.

Elon Musk recently expressed his eagerness to launch Starlink services in Pakistan. The statement came in response to a social media query by a Pakistani activist on platform X (formerly Twitter).

Slow Internet and Regional Context

Pakistan has struggled with slow internet speeds and connectivity issues. The country ranks low on global internet speed indexes. As of last year, Pakistan was ranked 100th out of 111 countries for mobile internet speeds and 141st out of 158 countries for broadband speeds.

The ongoing challenges have affected the IT industry, with disruptions causing significant financial losses. A lack of reliable infrastructure has also delayed digital progress.

Upcoming 2Africa Submarine Cable Project

In a positive development, a new undersea cable under the 2Africa Submarine Cable System is being installed. The cable, spanning 45,000 kilometers, is expected to boost Pakistan’s internet capacity by Q4 2025.

This system, supported by global giants like Meta and Vodafone, will provide Pakistan with 24 terabytes of bandwidth. Currently, the country relies on approximately 8 terabytes from existing cables.

The project began in December 2024 with the Pre-Lay Shore End (PLSE) phase at Hawksbay, Karachi. The second phase, deep-sea installation, will start in April 2025.

A Step Towards Faster Connectivity

With Starlink’s registration and the undersea cable project, Pakistan is set to experience significant improvements in internet speed and reliability. These advancements will benefit platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, offering a better user experience.

The developments reflect a shift toward overcoming digital challenges and enhancing the country’s tech landscape.