ISLAMABAD: The introduction of Starlink internet services in Pakistan would push current operators to upgrade their networks significantly in order to compete with the satellite provider. This could exacerbate the country’s already slow internet speeds and connectivity issues. According to Pakistani officials, Starlink has not yet launched its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet service in the country.
Pakistan Assesses Starlink’s Technical Plan
Pakistan is among the several countries carefully assessing Elon Musk’s Starlink technical plan to function through LEO. This is because the plan makes use of developing technologies in the constellation of satellites. After consulting with all relevant parties, including SUPARCO, PTA, and FAB, the Space Regulatory Authority is currently evaluating Starlink’s technical plan. The possibility of Starlink satellites coexisting with about fourteen GSO satellites that provide services in Pakistan is currently the subject of a thorough investigation.
It is a tedious procedure to examine the technical requirements that Starlink must follow when uplinking and downlinking data in order for the National Space Agency to register it in accordance with clause 5 of the National Space Policy. In the future, this will guarantee that the country’s many communication systems may work together without interference when using satellite-based telecom services.
Following registration by PSARB, the PTA will proceed with the issue of licenses or any other necessary actions. On 24th February 2022, Starlink Internet Services Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, which is owned by Starlink Holdings Netherlands BV, applied for an LDI license for Pakistan. On 29th April 2022, the company also applied for 14 x LL licenses for all of Pakistan’s telecom regions.
The Starlink case is currently undergoing technical analysis from a non-exclusive, non-interference, and non-protection standpoint, however, registration of local and foreign satellite service providers with PSARB is required under the new space policy that will be issued in December 2023.
Differences Between Starlink and Traditional Satellites
At an altitude of 36,000 kilometers, Starlink satellites in Pakistan’s Geo Stationary Orbit (GSO) do not function in the same way as conventional satellites. In terms of technology, it varies from GSO since it offers low-latency communication while operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 250 to 500 km.
One ground station can establish connections to numerous Starlink satellites, and vice versa; Starlink/SpaceX satellites may communicate with multiple Ground Stations concurrently. Effectively expanding reach in all areas is also possible with satellite-to-satellite connectivity using laser technology.
Broadband internet access is often obtained from ground stations located within the country. Starlink then extends these services to end users through optical fibre cables, which are up-and-down linked through space stations.
Starlink’s presence in the Asian region lags behind its services in the Americas and Europe, primarily due to higher upfront and ongoing costs compared to traditional fixed-line and cellular networks. As Starlink expands, it is poised to create significant competition for existing carriers, compelling them to further enhance their networks to keep up.
