The Pakistan Government is delaying its decision to grant Starlink a licence to operate in the country due to data security concerns.
These concerns apparently centre on Starlink’s ability to bypass Pakistan’s monitoring and safety checks. This ability heightens concerns that the US-based company could detect sensitive data from other internet services and share it outside the country.
Currently, the vast majority of data goes through Pakistan Telecommunication Company, and authorities are concerned that without safety measures in place, foreign-owned satellite services could be used to leak data and access sensitive material.
According to local reports, the decision to delay is also linked to geopolitical sensitivities in the region and competition from Chinese firms. Pakistan believes it has improved relations with the United States and is hesitant to draw scrutiny from Washington with this decision.
While government officials are also walking a tightrope with Beijing, as they want to provide an equal opportunity to Chinese firms who have applied under the same process as Starlink.
Pakistan has confirmed that five companies have put forward bids for the country’s satellite internet market. This includes Starlink and Spacecom Satellite Technology, a Chinese-based internet company.
Pakistan has yet to finalize its licensing framework, but officials are looking to establish safety mechanisms before releasing the final approval which should come out in the next few weeks.
