PTA to Issue Satellite Internet Licences After PSARB Registration
Starlink Style Satellite Internet Still Awaiting Approval in Pakistan
Nadeem Tanoli
Islamabad: The Senate was informed that broadband internet through new satellite technology is not yet fully available to Pakistani consumers because satellite operators must first register with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board. Information Technology and Telecommunication Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja told the House that PTA will start issuing new satellite service licences only after satellite operators complete registration with PSARB.
The details were shared in response to Question No. 6 asked by Senator Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan, who sought the present status of broadband connectivity proposed to be provided through satellites.
In her written reply, Shaza Fatima Khawaja stated that under the existing PTA regulatory system, satellite services through Geo Stationary Orbit satellites are already being provided by CVAS, LL and LDI licensees. These services are being offered according to the scope and requirements of their respective licences.
However, the ministry made it clear that current satellite services are mostly used for bandwidth transportation, backhaul connectivity and very limited data connectivity. The main reason is that bandwidth from Geo Stationary Orbit satellites is very expensive, making it difficult to provide affordable internet to ordinary users.
According to the reply placed before the Senate, around 5,043 satellite customers are currently being served by different PTA licensees across the country. This shows that satellite connectivity already exists in Pakistan, but it is limited and not yet being used on a large scale for direct public broadband access.
The ministry also informed the Senate that a new internet technology through Low Earth Orbit satellites has emerged in recent years. International satellite companies such as Starlink, Amazon Kuiper and OneWeb have started offering high speed internet services directly to consumers in different countries.
To prepare Pakistan for future satellite internet services, the government introduced the National Space Policy and Space Activities Rules. Under these rules, every satellite operator must first register with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board before becoming eligible to provide satellite bandwidth from Geo Stationary Orbit or Low Earth Orbit satellites in Pakistan.
The Senate was told that PSARB is currently finalizing regulations for registering satellite operators. This means companies offering modern satellite internet cannot directly start consumer services until the registration and regulatory process is completed.
At the same time, the PTA has prepared a Fixed Satellite Services licence for direct to consumer satellite services. The ministry said this licence has been developed in line with international best practices and will help provide satellite services across the country through one proper licence.
The reply explained that satellite services can currently be provided only through a combination of different licences, including CVAS, LL and LDI. The new Fixed Satellite Services licence is expected to simplify the system and make it easier for companies to offer nationwide satellite internet.
The government’s reply shows that Pakistan is preparing the legal and regulatory framework for Starlink style satellite broadband, but commercial launch depends on the registration of satellite operators with PSARB and the issuance of new licences by PTA.
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