Islamabad: Pakistan is in discussions with Starlink, the satellite internet company owned by Elon Musk, to introduce its services in the country, confirmed Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
“We are in talks with Starlink to bring them to Pakistan,” Khawaja stated during a Senate Standing Committee meeting on IT and Telecommunication, as reported by a local news outlet.
This development comes amidst widespread internet disruptions impacting millions across the nation.
5G Spectrum Auction Set for April 2024
The minister also announced plans to auction the 5G spectrum in April 2024, a significant step towards modernizing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. However, she acknowledged that the lack of investment in the IT sector over the past three years has created hurdles in meeting growing internet demands.
Addressing VPN Usage and Internet Slowdowns
The committee discussed issues related to VPN usage, with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman revealing that VPN licensing will begin on January 1, aiming to reduce data security risks.
Technical challenges, such as firewall management and increased data consumption, were highlighted as major contributors to slow internet speeds. Lawmakers expressed concerns over the impact on freelancers, students, and digital marketers.
PTA Chairman dismissed claims that VPNs caused the disruptions, assuring that there is no policy to intentionally slow down internet speeds.
Collaboration Urged for IT Sector Growth
Sajjad Syed, Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), emphasized the importance of reliable internet for the IT sector, which is expanding at an annual rate of 30%. He called for immediate collaboration between the government and private sector to resolve the challenges.
Regulating Internet to Combat Fake News
Minister Khawaja addressed concerns over potential internet restrictions, stating that while technical reasons are behind the current issues, the government may consider regulation to curb the spread of fake news.
“We would restrict the internet with a heavy heart if necessary for security reasons,” she noted, adding that efforts are underway to identify areas with significant connectivity problems.
With Starlink discussions and the upcoming 5G auction, Pakistan is aiming to overcome its internet challenges and pave the way for a more connected future.
