Trying to bring Elon Musk’s satellite company ‘Starlink’ to Pakistan: Shaza Fatima

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Information Technology (IT) Shaza Fatima has announced that efforts are underway to bring Elon Musk’s satellite internet service Starlink to Pakistan. The move is aimed at resolving the persistent internet connectivity issues across the country.

As per the details, the Senate Standing Committee meeting chaired by Senator Kahda Babar considered several key concerns related to the IT sector. These included persistent internet disruptions, the process of obtaining VPN licenses, and how national security measures are affecting the growth of Pakistan’s IT industry.

The chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) revealed that a new system for VPN licensing is set to be launched on January 1. The move is aimed at addressing data security threats while ensuring smooth operations for IT businesses.

Industry representatives in the meeting expressed their concerns about how internet disruptions are slowing down the growth of Pakistan’s IT sector. In response, the committee urged the government to implement clear policies to improve internet speeds and reduce shutdowns, which negatively impact both businesses and individual users.

Furthermore, the IT minister confirmed that the government is planning a 5G spectrum auction in April 2024, which is expected to significantly boost the country’s digital infrastructure. Talks are also underway to introduce StarLink, which promises faster and more reliable internet access for remote and underserved areas.

These measures reflect the government’s focus on overcoming internet challenges and creating a robust digital environment to support Pakistan’s growing IT sector.