PTA unveils satellite license to boost internet access
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has shared a draft plan for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) licensing, marking an important step in the country’s digital development strategy.
This move is expected to attract global satellite internet providers like Starlink and Shanghai Spacecom, making high-speed internet available in remote and underserved areas.
In its announcement, PTA said the draft license would allow companies to build and run satellite systems such as fixed earth stations, gateway stations, and Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs). With this license, operators can provide broadband, backhaul, and internet bandwidth services directly to consumers.
The license comes with a one-time fee of $500,000 and will remain valid for 15 years. Companies must begin their services within 18 months and set up at least one gateway earth station in Pakistan. They are also required to store all user data within the country to comply with privacy rules.
The new licensing model replaces a complicated system of multiple permits with a single, simplified framework. It also reflects input from consultations held in February 2025 and follows the Pakistan Telecommunication Act and the Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024.
PTA clarified that the FSS license will not cover mobile satellite services, direct-to-home broadcasting, or direct-to-device connectivity. All international traffic must pass through licensed long-distance international operators to ensure proper oversight.
Experts believe this initiative could transform Pakistan’s digital landscape by improving connectivity and boosting economic growth in rural areas.
Meanwhile, internet users in Pakistan recently faced disruptions due to submarine cable cuts in Saudi waters near Jeddah. PTCL confirmed in a statement that the issue reduced bandwidth capacity on two major undersea cable systems, SMW4 and IMEWE.
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