In a significant development, Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and founder of Starlink, responded to a Pakistani user's tribute on the social media platform X regarding the anticipated introduction of Starlink Internet in Pakistan. Musk stated that the approval of the Pakistani government is still awaited before the service can officially launch in the country.
The demand for Starlink Internet in Pakistan has surged recently, particularly due to frequent internet shutdowns that have significantly disrupted communication and commerce. These disruptions have drawn widespread criticism, and Starlink is seen as a potential solution to address connectivity challenges.
Economic Losses Due to Internet Shutdowns in Pakistan
A report highlights Pakistan's alarming position as the country with the highest economic losses caused by internet shutdowns in 2024. The financial toll reached a staggering $1.62 billion, surpassing even countries like Sudan and Myanmar, which have experienced disruptions due to civil conflicts.
Globally, intentional internet shutdowns in 2024 amounted to 88,788 hours across 28 countries, resulting in a cumulative financial loss of $7.69 billion. Pakistan alone accounted for 9,735 hours of disruptions, affecting 82.9 million users.
Major Factors Behind Shutdowns
Pakistan witnessed 18 intentional internet shutdowns in 2024, primarily driven by three key factors:
1. Elections
2. Information Control
3. Protests
The most financially devastating shutdown involved the social media platform ‘X,’ leading to a loss of $1.34 billion. Trade organizations, including the Pakistan Software House Association, reported that each hour of internet shutdown costs the economy approximately $1 million.
A Growing Trend
The duration of internet shutdowns in Pakistan surged dramatically from 259 hours in 2023 to 9,735 hours in 2024—a 619% increase. This rise has contributed to an additional $114 million in economic losses. Pakistan now ranks second globally for the longest duration of internet shutdowns, trailing only Myanmar by 1,861 hours.
Starlink as a Solution?
Starlink's low-latency satellite internet service is seen as a potential game-changer for Pakistan. By bypassing traditional infrastructure, it could provide uninterrupted connectivity even during government-imposed shutdowns. However, as Elon Musk indicated, the service's launch hinges on obtaining regulatory approval from Pakistani authorities.
The introduction of Starlink could not only alleviate the issues caused by internet shutdowns but also pave the way for better digital accessibility and economic growth in Pakistan. All eyes are now on the government to see if they will greenlight this transformative projects.
