Starlink, owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk, has been denied a license to operate satellite internet in Pakistan over data security concerns.
Satellite-based internet services will initially be provided in remote areas like Balochistan. (Bloomberg)Officials attributed the slowness of Starlink’s approval process to unresolved security and geopolitical concerns, PTI news agency reported, citing local media.
The Pakistan government has flagged the issue that Starlink could transmit certain data bypassing Pakistan’s monitoring, regulatory and security checks, The Express Tribune reported, citing sources. We cannot allow Starlink to be licensed without ensuring security checks to ensure the safety of consumer data in Pakistan, The Express Tribune quoted a senior government official as saying.
Also Read | Iran went dark. Starlink trafficked protests: Inside the secret network
Pakistan currently exercises control over Internet data, with Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) being the majority stakeholder in the undersea cable infrastructure.
However, authorities fear that the entry of foreign companies, particularly Starlink, could lead to a similar loss of control with data theft concerns.
According to sources quoted by PTI, the satellite-based internet services will initially be provided in remote areas like Balochistan, where conventional internet services are limited or unavailable.
Trump-Musk fallout, China competition widening issueApart from data security concerns, the fallout between US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk could be another reason why Pakistani authorities are hesitant to grant security clearance to Starlink.
According to officials, the move could displease Trump. Pakistan and the US have witnessed improved relations since the Republican president’s return to power, with the former reluctant to take any steps that would raise concerns in Washington.
Meanwhile, five companies are currently seeking licenses to operate satellite-based internet services in Pakistan, PTI quoted the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) as saying. These include Starlink and China-based Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology Limited (SSST).
Chinese companies already hold a dominant position in the Pakistani market over US firms, and are now looking to enter Pakistan’s satellite internet market, seeing Starlink as a direct competitor. PSARB officials said the government has completed consultations with stakeholders, but time is needed to implement security measures before allowing start of satellite-based internet services.
Currently, relevant authorities monitor internet services in the country and can suspend them due to security concerns, PTI reported. However, officials may face the problem of blocking satellite-based services in the same manner.
