Musk-owned Starlink gets approval to operate in Pakistan

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) – Satellite-based internet provider Starlink on Friday was granted a temporary No Objection Certificate (NOC) to operate in Pakistan, according to a statement from the IT Ministry.

Starlink Services, owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk, is one of the most technologically advanced companies worldwide offering internet through Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.

Previously, Musk had confirmed in early January that Starlink applied to launch internet services in Pakistan but was "waiting for approval from the government."

“Starlink has been issued a temporary NOC with the consensus of all security and regulatory agencies,” Dawn News quoted IT Minister Shaza Fatima as saying. “Starlink’s arrival in Pakistan will mark the formal launch of satellite internet services.”