Pakistan is on the brink of introducing satellite internet services as the regulatory groundwork by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) nears completion. The authority has engaged with at least five global companies eager to enter the market, including notable names like Starlink, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology Limited (SSST), Eutelsat OneWeb, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, and Canadian satellite company Telesat. These companies have completed their preliminary preparations to launch services in Pakistan.
However, a significant hurdle remains as these providers must register with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB), a step that is crucial for activating their services. This registration is pending due to the PSARB’s ongoing development of its licensing regime for low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite providers, which has yet to be finalized. The delay in registration is stalling potential foreign investment and the rollout of high-speed connectivity plans.
Further complicating the situation, the PTA’s draft policy for satellite internet providers is also awaiting formal approval. This policy is crucial for outlining operational requirements and compliance regulations for the providers. Approval has been stalled due to legal challenges facing the PTA’s chairman, whose appointment was recently declared illegal by a court. This legal issue could delay the policy’s implementation, initially expected by the end of the month.
The draft policy mandates that all LEO internet service providers block certain websites and content as directed by the PTA and ensure that all user data remains within Pakistan. It also restricts providers from allowing foreign entities access to operational control or network infrastructure. Furthermore, the policy includes a provision for satellite providers to support mobile operators by offering backhaul services, particularly beneficial in remote areas.
Moreover, the policy addresses potential interference issues by establishing a “Satellite Interference Reporting and Resolution System” (SIRRS) to manage and resolve any conflicts with geostationary orbit (GSO) satellites and other wireless networks. The Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) will oversee this system.
The licensing fee for satellite internet service providers has been set at $500,000, with an additional annual contribution of 1.5 percent of gross revenue to the Universal Service Fund (USF).
The introduction of Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) licenses, as announced by the PTA, represents a significant development in the country’s digital infrastructure strategy. These licenses, valid for 15 years with a one-time fee, aim to simplify the regulatory framework and encourage the setup of essential infrastructure like gateway earth stations within Pakistan.
Despite these advancements, earlier disruptions in internet services due to submarine cable cuts near Jeddah highlight the fragility of Pakistan’s current internet infrastructure and underscore the potential benefits of diversified internet access through satellite services.
