Pakistani IT Companies Choose Starlink for Reliable Internet!

In Pakistan, many IT companies have turned to Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, for reliable and uninterrupted internet, even though it is currently illegal in the country. These companies are choosing Starlink for its stable connection, which they rely on to keep their communication with international clients smooth and efficient.

A senior executive from one of these IT companies revealed that they had sourced Starlink equipment from the UK. The monthly cost for a regular residential plan is £79, while the basic business plan starts at £110. However, the company opted for an upgraded business package, which cost them around £750 per month. While the prices are significantly higher than local internet rates, the company found the speed and stability of Starlink’s service worth the investment.

Since Starlink does not yet have a local service structure in Pakistan, the IT companies have been paying their subscription fees abroad. Despite the high costs, the benefits of smooth business operations, especially with international clients, make it a preferred choice. The service allows businesses to ensure that their communication and operations remain uninterrupted, a crucial factor for companies in today’s fast-paced, digital world.

Starlink is a leading provider of internet services globally, using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to offer internet access. These LEO satellites, which orbit between 300-500 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, are much closer to the ground compared to the high-orbit satellites that most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Pakistan rely on. Currently, ISPs in Pakistan use internet services from 13 high-orbit satellites, while four satellites are designated for communication services to licensed TV channels in the country.

The Pakistani government has recognized the potential of LEO satellites like Starlink and is actively working on creating a regulatory framework for their use in the country. A senior government official shared that efforts are underway to bridge the internet demand-supply gap and to bring satellite internet services to unconnected areas. This development is expected to improve internet access across Pakistan, especially in remote regions.

However, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has made it clear that using services like Starlink without proper regulatory approval is illegal. The PTA holds the authority to take action against such unauthorized services, similar to how PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority) handles illegal DTH (Direct-to-Home) services.