Starlink Faces New Hurdle as Temporary Registration Expires in Pakistan
Starlink’s long-anticipated launch of satellite internet services in Pakistan has hit yet another roadblock. Official sources have confirmed that the company’s temporary registration with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) has expired, putting the entire licensing process on hold once again.
Starlink, the global satellite internet giant founded by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, had been temporarily registered with PSARB on March 21, 2025. This provisional status was a critical first step toward securing a full operating license from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). However, the company failed to meet the conditions required for permanent registration before the temporary approval lapsed in June.
A Regulatory Setback for Starlink
Government officials familiar with the matter confirmed the development. “The temporary registration expired in June, and Starlink has not yet fulfilled the criteria for permanent approval,” a senior source stated.
Starlink representatives also acknowledged the regulatory setback and said that they are reviewing the situation internally before issuing an official statement.
Policy Uncertainty Adds to Delays
Insiders suggest that Starlink is waiting for clearer policy guidelines from the Pakistani government regarding the commercial rollout of satellite internet services. Without a concrete regulatory framework, the company is unable to move forward with its plans to expand high-speed internet access in the country.
Earlier this year, Starlink appeared to make significant progress when it secured a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the PTA on March 21. The NOC, approved by the PSARB, was a mandatory requirement to apply for a telecom license. The move came after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to facilitate Starlink’s entry as part of a broader push to improve digital connectivity in Pakistan.
Background: From NOC to New Challenges
Starlink first applied for a telecom license in Pakistan back in February 2022 after registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The application was later referred to the Ministry of IT for further consultation in March 2022.
Despite these efforts, regulatory hurdles have continued to slow down the process. The expiration of Starlink’s temporary registration has now added a fresh layer of complexity, raising questions about when — or if — Pakistanis will gain access to the company’s satellite-based internet services.
Why It Matters for Pakistan’s Connectivity
Starlink’s entry is seen as a potential game changer for Pakistan’s digital landscape, particularly for remote and underserved areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is either unreliable or non-existent.
The government has repeatedly stressed its commitment to expanding internet access nationwide, but delays in the licensing process could hamper these goals.
What’s Next for Starlink?
For now, Starlink must secure permanent registration with PSARB before it can apply for an operational license from the PTA. Without this step, its plans to beam high-speed internet from its global satellite network remain grounded in Pakistan.
Industry watchers believe that a clear, investor-friendly policy framework will be essential to unlock Starlink’s potential in the country — but whether this will happen anytime soon remains uncertain.
