Five major international satellite internet providers, OneWeb (Eutelsat Group), Amazon’s Project Kuiper, China’s SSST, Starlink, and Telesat, are ready to begin offering services in Pakistan.
In what could be a turning point for Pakistan’s digital landscape, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has unveiled a draft license framework for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS).
The move paves the way for international players like Elon Musk’s Starlink, as well as other global and local providers, to formally operate in the country.
For years, internet access in Pakistan’s remote and rural areas has remained patchy, leaving millions disconnected from reliable digital services. Industry experts are calling this framework a “game-changer”, predicting it will dramatically improve connectivity in underserved regions while creating new opportunities for innovation and growth.
A Simpler Path for Satellite Internet
According to PTA, the new framework was shaped after months of consultation with stakeholders earlier this year. Under the draft license, companies will now be able to establish, maintain, and operate satellite systems under a non-exclusive license, making the process both simpler and cheaper.
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Previously, providers were forced to secure as many as 15 separate licenses at a cost of $640,000 before starting operations. The new structure consolidates this into a single license priced at $500,000, valid for 15 years.
Companies will be required to begin rolling out services within 18 months of approval and to establish at least one Gateway Earth Station in Pakistan, ensuring local infrastructure development.
Protecting Data and National Interests
To align with national security and sovereignty, all operators must ensure that user data is stored within Pakistan’s borders. Moreover, before applying to PTA, satellite providers must first register with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB), which oversees space-related activities under the Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024.
The framework also outlines a revenue-sharing model: operators will contribute 1.5% of gross revenues to the Universal Service Fund, alongside 0.5% spectrum usage fees and 0.5% annual license fees. These contributions are expected to fund projects that bring digital access to Pakistan’s most remote communities.
Global Players Eye Pakistan
PTA has invited public feedback until September 19, 2025, before finalizing the framework. Observers keep on saying that the streamlined process will encourage international providers like Starlink, OneWeb and Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST) to enter Pakistan.
If successful, the initiative could mark a new era of universal, high-speed internet, bridging the digital divide and giving millions of Pakistanis a direct connection to the global digital economy.