Tech billionaire Elon Musk revealed on Saturday that Starlink has applied to provide internet services in Pakistan but is currently “waiting for approval from the government.”
Musk’s response came after a Pakistani user on X highlighted the potential of Starlink’s internet services to propel Pakistan into a more connected future, stating, “Please, let Starlink be our bridge to tomorrow.” In a follow-up post tagging Musk, the user claimed Pakistan had already approved Starlink, urging him to prioritize its launch: “Millions await the connectivity, education, and opportunities Starlink could offer. Please, expedite Starlink’s launch in Pakistan.”
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Musk’s acknowledgment of Starlink’s plans for Pakistan coincides with the nation’s struggle against internet disruptions. In 2024, Pakistan suffered the most significant financial losses globally due to internet outages, according to Top10VPN.com, an independent VPN reviewer.
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The report noted a total of 88,788 hours of global internet disruptions last year, resulting in a $7.69 billion loss, with Pakistan incurring $1.62 billion in damages, followed by Myanmar ($1.58 billion) and Sudan ($1.12 billion).