DUBAI/ISLAMABAD: VEON Group, the parent company of Pakistan’s leading mobile operator Jazz, is actively exploring the introduction of Starlink satellite connectivity in the country, potentially as early as this year.
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This follows VEON CEO Kaan Terzioglu’s comments at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, where he expressed hope for a launch in at least one of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Uzbekistan in 2026, building on successful integrations elsewhere.
Strong Momentum from Ukraine and Kazakhstan In Ukraine, VEON’s subsidiary Kyivstar has rolled out Starlink services amid ongoing challenges, with current users at around 5 million. Terzioglu projected this figure to surge to approximately 12 million by year-end—representing roughly half of Kyivstar’s customer base.
The service has proven essential for maintaining connectivity during power outages and in hard-to-reach areas, driving expectations for similar benefits in other markets.
In Kazakhstan, VEON’s Beeline unit is on track for full Starlink operations by the end of March 2026, starting with messaging and expanding to data and voice.
Pakistan’s Potential as Key Market Pakistan, with its vast rural and remote regions lacking reliable terrestrial coverage, stands out as a prime candidate for satellite-to-mobile technology. Jazz, serving tens of millions, could leverage Starlink Direct to Cell to deliver seamless SMS, voice, and data without traditional towers.
The non-exclusive partnership with Starlink positions VEON to address coverage gaps in underserved parts of Pakistan, enhancing resilience for users in hilly terrains, flood-prone areas, and border regions.
Terzioglu highlighted conditions like favorable pricing, taxation, and regulation as critical for rollout. Pakistan’s telecom authority would need to approve any deployment, aligning with ongoing efforts to boost digital inclusion.
Longer-Term Vision for South Asia VEON sees satellite tech transforming connectivity in large-population, underserved markets across South Asia, Latin America, and Africa over the next 3-5 years. For Pakistan, this could mean improved access to education, e-commerce, banking, and emergency services.
The group’s recent initiatives, including the “Invest in Pakistan, NOW!” campaign with JazzWorld, underscore commitment to digital growth and attracting investment.
As competition in satellite-to-phone intensifies, VEON’s push into Pakistan could significantly narrow the digital divide, bringing reliable connectivity to millions.