Tech Desk 
Mar 26, 2025
An undated image. — Unsplash
As Starlink, the globally popular satellite internet provider, is in the final stages of being fully operational in Pakistan, it emerged that the firm is bound to ensure a set of finance obligations besides regulatory requirements.
The Elon Musk-owned satellite internet provider is required to pay $1.6 million for licensing and guarantees to be granted an operational approval from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
Citing sources, Phone World reported that the company has also been bound to deposit $640,000 in licensing fees as well as $10 million (or equivalent in PKR) for bank guarantee.
The company is reportedly fetching 14 Local Loop (LL) licenses and one Long Distance International (LDI) license from the PTA, according to the publication citing a Starlink representative as briefing the PTA during his Tuesday visit to PTA headquarters.
It's worth noting that the LDI license will allow Starlink to offer international satellite-based communication services, while the LL will involve the provision of services at a domestic scale across various regions.
Starlink licencing fees to PTA
In order to secure the aforementioned licences, Musk's Starlink is obliged to pay:
- $500 as an application fee.
- $10,000 per region for each LL license.
- $500,000 for the LDI license.
- Additional charges for radio frequency spectrum allocation.
- The company must also submit a $10 million bank guarantee in favor of PTA.
Starlink's registration and services in Pakistan
The launch of Starlink's satellite internet connectivity hinges on how timely it meets PTA's licensing requirements. Upon their fulfilment, PTA will issue operational licences to Starlink.
