Pakistan has granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Starlink, the internet service provider owned by the world’s wealthiest man, Elon Musk, and an adviser to US President Donald Trump. This certificate is a critical step for Starlink to begin its business operations in Pakistan, as it is necessary for obtaining a business license in the country.
According to a report by Pakistani media outlet Samaa News, the NOC was issued by the country’s space regulatory authority on Friday. The report further mentions that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally recommended the issuance of the NOC. In his recommendation, the Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity and activities within the country.
Earlier, in February, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, invited Starlink to operate in the country. On February 13, he had a phone conversation with Elon Musk regarding this matter.
However, Starlink had already applied to the Pakistani government for permission to operate in the country long before this invitation. According to official records, Starlink submitted its application to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) in February 2024, expressing its interest in registering with the country’s capital markets regulatory body.
Following the receipt of the NOC, the registration process is now merely a matter of time. However, Samaa News, speaking with industry insiders, reported that despite obtaining the NOC, Starlink will need at least another year before it can begin operations in Pakistan. During this year, the company will need to complete various stages, including infrastructure construction and regulatory coordination.
Starlink’s Potential Service Costs in Pakistan Revealed
Although it will still take some time for Starlink to begin operations in Pakistan, the company has outlined the estimated costs for its internet services once it starts its business in the country.
Company officials have revealed that Starlink plans to offer three types of service packages in Pakistan: Residential, Commercial, and Mobile.
For residential connections, customers will need to pay a one-time fee of 110,000 Pakistani Rupees for installation. After the connection is set up, customers will be required to pay a monthly fee of 35,000 Rupees.
Those interested in commercial connections will face a higher cost, with a one-time payment of 220,000 Rupees for installation. The monthly fee for commercial users will be 95,000 Rupees.
For mobile connections, interested customers will need to pay a one-time cost of 120,000 Rupees, followed by a monthly fee of 50,000 Rupees.
LND/S H
