Elon Musk announced that Starlink has applied to launch internet services in Pakistan but is waiting for government approval. A Pakistani user emphasized the transformative potential of Starlink, claiming approval had been granted. Pakistan ranks as the most affected country by internet outages in 2024, with losses exceeding $1.62 billion.
On Saturday, tech mogul Elon Musk announced that Starlink has submitted an application to establish internet services in Pakistan, yet he is currently awaiting government approval. Musk’s acknowledgment arose in response to a Pakistani user’s plea on the social media platform X, who emphasized that Starlink could significantly advance Pakistan’s digital future and enhance connectivity for all citizens.
In a subsequent post, the same user asserted that the government had already approved Starlink and urged Musk to expedite the service’s launch, noting that millions of individuals in Pakistan are eager for the connectivity and opportunities that Starlink could provide. This call for action highlights the urgency of improving internet access in a country experiencing significant disruptions.
Musk’s announcement gained additional context when reviewing internet service disruptions in Pakistan, which was reported as the most affected nation in 2024 according to Top10VPN.com, an independent VPN analysis platform. The country endured over 88,788 hours of global internet outages, leading to substantial economic losses totaling approximately $1.62 billion, ranking Pakistan as the highest in losses among nations such as Myanmar and Sudan.
The discussion surrounding Starlink’s potential launch in Pakistan is rooted in the country’s ongoing challenges with internet connectivity. In recent years, Pakistan has faced significant internet outages, resulting in considerable socio-economic ramifications. The advent of Starlink offers a potential solution by bringing high-speed satellite internet services to regions where traditional infrastructure may be lacking or unreliable. Musk’s commitment to this project could be pivotal in helping to resolve communication deficits and enhance digital access throughout the nation.
In summary, Elon Musk’s confirmation of Starlink’s application to launch in Pakistan underscores the necessity for improved internet connectivity amid the backdrop of significant outages and economic losses. The encouragement from Pakistani users reflects widespread anticipation for the service, which promises to connect millions and foster growth opportunities. The next steps hinge upon government approval, which will determine the feasibility of this transformative initiative.
Original Source: www.dawn.com