PTA engages with Starlink to tackle Internet connectivity issues
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has confirmed that discussions between the government and Starlink are in progress regarding the issuance of a satellite service license.
The PTA noted that the licensing process is at an early stage and is being reviewed in response to Starlink’s application. As part of the evaluation, the PTA is examining technical requirements such as bandwidth, uplinking, and gateway specifications, while the National Space Agency assesses the proposal under Pakistan’s national space policy.
The authority highlighted that these evaluations are part of standard procedures for all foreign satellite service providers. Regulatory approval will only be granted after clearance from the space agency and other necessary validations.
Starlink
Starlink, developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is a satellite-based internet service designed to provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity globally. The innovative system employs a network of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), aiming to deliver internet access, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
Starlink’s technology promises latency as low as 20 milliseconds, rivaling or outperforming many fiber-optic networks. Each satellite is equipped with advanced phased array antennas, enabling simultaneous connections for multiple users.
With this breakthrough technology, Starlink could revolutionize digital access, ensuring reliable and fast internet connectivity from virtually any location, making it a pivotal development for global digital inclusion and connectivity.
