Can Starlink Solve Pakistan’s Internet Problems

Since the beginning of last year, people in Pakistan have been troubled by internet and social media shutdowns.

It is estimated that these unannounced disruptions have caused the IT sector to lose over $1 billion.

Residential and commercial users, frustrated by internet outages and the suspension of platforms like “X” (formerly Twitter), have been searching for a system that ensures uninterrupted internet connectivity.

According to a report by Top10VPN.com, Pakistan faced a loss of $1.62 billion last year due to internet and social media app shutdowns.

Government officials and institutions in Pakistan have presented various justifications for these shutdowns.

Sometimes the internet was affected due to political protests, other times due to undersea cable faults. On occasion, security concerns were cited as the reason.

In this context, many internet users appealed to Elon Musk to introduce his Starlink satellite internet service in Pakistan.

Finally, Elon Musk has heeded the calls of Pakistanis, and Starlink has been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

This raises questions: how soon will Starlink become operational in Pakistan, and will regular households be able to afford satellite internet?

“Efforts Underway to Launch Starlink Services Within Months”

Pakistan’s Minister for IT, Shaza Fatima, confirmed Starlink’s registration in the country. She added that regulations must be established for such companies.

“Apart from Starlink, there are other satellite companies interested in providing services in Pakistan. However, a regulatory framework is essential to ensure they operate under proper guidelines.”

She elaborated, “We are drafting a comprehensive policy to prevent these satellites from interfering with local frequencies. Once the regulatory framework is in place, companies like Starlink will be issued licenses.”

She noted that no international regulations currently exist for low-Earth orbit satellite internet services, making this a unique challenge. “We aim to develop an internationally aligned system within a few months so that companies like Starlink can begin operations in Pakistan.”

What Is Starlink Satellite Internet, and How Does It Work

Elon Musk’s company, Starlink, provides internet services through an extensive network of satellites. Its goal is to deliver high-speed internet to people in remote or rural areas where such services are otherwise unavailable.

Lucinda King, a project manager for space initiatives at the University of Portsmouth, notes that while Starlink has users in the UK, the service is particularly popular in regions like Africa.

Under the Starlink project, satellites are deployed in low-Earth orbit to ensure faster communication between satellites and the ground.

Since 2018, Starlink has launched approximately 3,000 small satellites into orbit, and the company plans to expand this network to 10,000–12,000 satellites.

Chris Hall, editorial director at Pocket-Lint, explains that satellites eliminate the need for extensive infrastructure, like cables and poles, enabling internet access in deserts, mountains, and other hard-to-reach areas.

Cost and Accessibility of Starlink

Compared to traditional internet services, Starlink is expensive. The monthly subscription costs $99, while the dish and router required for service cost $549.

Asad Baig, from Media Matters for Democracy, expressed concerns that Starlink’s high costs could deepen the digital divide in Pakistan. “Satellite internet access might only be affordable for a select few, leaving others to rely on the same unreliable services.”

In developed countries like the UK, 96% of households already have high-speed internet, while the US and EU boast 90% coverage. Starlink primarily targets underserved global markets, such as Africa, South America, and Asia.

Chris Hall believes that while the cost might be prohibitive for some, Starlink could play a crucial role in connecting schools and hospitals in remote areas.

Can Satellite Internet Be Disrupted

A significant concern among internet users in Pakistan is whether government agencies could interfere with Starlink’s services.

Experts monitoring internet issues in Pakistan suggest that even Starlink may not guarantee free and uninterrupted internet.

Nighat Dad, an activist and internet rights expert, “Uninterrupted internet access is a fundamental right. However, past experiences show that transparency regarding agreements between the government and companies like Starlink is crucial.”

She added, “If these companies operate under similar restrictions, users must know in advance what services will or won’t be available.”

Asad Baig noted, “Satellite internet is difficult to control or regulate, but the Pakistani government is accustomed to control. If unrestricted satellite internet is allowed, why invest so much in firewalls and web management systems? The hype around Starlink could be a distraction from deeper issues.”

Transparency and Concerns Over Starlink

Nighat Dad emphasized the need for transparency in any agreements between Starlink and the government. “The public deserves to know what these companies agree to before they start operations.”

Elon Musk, who owns Starlink, has been active in US politics and is considered close to Donald Trump. This has raised questions about his role in democratic processes and misinformation.

“We must ensure that while embracing technology, we don’t fall prey to propaganda or compromise our rights,” Dad concluded.