ISLAMABAD: Elon Musk’s Company Starlink will launch Satellite-based high speed Internet services across the country
Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, revealed the development during a Senate Standing Committee meeting on IT and Telecommunication, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan.
Khawaja emphasized the government’s commitment to modernizing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, highlighting the upcoming 5G spectrum auction scheduled for April 2024. She noted that bringing Starlink’s services to Pakistan is part of a broader initiative to resolve persistent internet connectivity issues, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
The announcement came amid growing concerns over frequent internet disruptions that have impacted millions of users across the country, including freelancers, students, and businesses. Industry stakeholders have reported significant financial losses due to these disruptions, urging swift action to stabilize the digital ecosystem.
Khawaja acknowledged various obstacles hindering the country’s digital growth, including a lack of investment in the IT sector over the past three years and rising demands on existing internet infrastructure. Officials also pointed to technical challenges such as inefficient firewall management and increased data consumption, which have contributed to slow speeds and frequent outages.
Sajjad Syed, Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association stressed the critical importance of reliable internet for the IT sector, which is growing at an annual rate of 30%. He called for greater collaboration between the government and the private sector to overcome these challenges and ensure sustainable digital growth in Pakistan. With Starlink’s satellite internet potentially offering a game-changing solution, the move is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and support Pakistan’s digital transformation
