Satellite internet plan in final stage

Pakistan has made national security, spectrum management and security requirements essential components of the framework to launch satellite-based internet services in the country.

The regulatory framework for launching satellite internet has entered its final stages, and the federal cabinet will approve the licensing framework for fixed satellite services (FSS). Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has reported in a progress report to parliament regarding satellite internet developments.

The final stages of establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for satellite communication are under way. This includes draft Satellite Communication Regulations, incorporating non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) and other operational rules, prepared by the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB). The consultation process on these regulations has already been completed. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has finalised the licensing framework document for satellite services, which is also in its final stages and is expected to be presented before the federal cabinet soon.

Under the instructions of the federal minister for IT and telecommunication, the PTA is set to introduce a digital communications network that will be a major component of Pakistan's digital government strategy, Shaza Fatima said, adding that this initiative is aimed at providing reliable, fast and affordable internet in remote and difficult-to-access areas.

She further said that low-earth-orbit satellite solutions such as Starlink, OneWeb and similar systems have expressed interest in launching internet services, which could play a supportive role in improving connectivity and accelerating digital inclusion.

Satellite communication services in Pakistan fall under the policy oversight of the Ministry of IT and Telecom. According to this framework, PSARB has been authorised by the government to formulate regulations aimed at controlling satellite systems. The PTA is responsible for licensing telecommunication services. The comprehensive regulatory framework is being designed following international best practices.

PSARB, the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) and the PTA will set up a transparent, technology-neutral and investor-friendly environment for satellite operators. This framework is aimed at ensuring that, under the government's strategic direction, regulatory complexities are minimised and a coordinated ecosystem for satellite communication is created.

Khawaja said the licensing framework will cover broadband, backhaul, low-earth-orbit connectivity and corporate data services to enable the development of a complete satellite-based connectivity system in the country.

Major global satellite internet operators – including SpaceX (Starlink), OneWeb, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology and other players – have expressed keen interest in entering Pakistan's market. Starlink has already registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The other operators have been instructed by PSARB to begin the registration process with the SECP before proceeding further. PSARB, the FAB and the PTA are actively working together to ensure the completion of the entire registration and licensing process smoothly and transparently.

The matter is also pending for debate in the Senate. Earlier, a call-attention notice had been submitted in the Senate over the prolonged delay in issuing licences for satellite-based internet services. The notice was submitted seeking an explanation from the federal IT minister.

Senator Sarmad Ali had drawn the attention of the federal IT minister to the prolonged delay in issuing licences required for launching satellite-based internet services. He added that the delay was affecting companies interested in entering the Pakistani market. He further maintained that about five companies were awaiting final regulatory clearance, and the PTA has almost completed the requirements for the internet service. However, he said registration with PSARB had remained pending for several months.

Industry experts have already warned that the ambition for next-generation connectivity could be undermined by policy indecision, weak long-term planning and inconsistent regulation. They were also of the view that Pakistan is projecting itself as a fast-emerging digital economy. They argued that the gap between narrative and execution is resulting in wider and critical decisions on licensing and modern connectivity models being delayed.