At least five global companies, including Starlink, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, Shanghai Spacecom, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Telesat, have expressed interest in launching satellite internet services in Pakistan, but delays in finalizing the licensing framework are holding up investments and connectivity plans.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has prepared a draft policy for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) internet providers, but its promulgation may be delayed due to legal challenges facing the PTA chairman, whose sign-off is required for approval. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) has yet to complete its registration process, a prerequisite for service providers.

Draft Policy Highlights

The PTA draft policy requires all user data to remain within Pakistan, routed through local Fixed Gateway Earth Stations. Additionally, compliance with content blocking requests from PTA and prohibition on granting foreign entities access to operations, infrastructure, or monitoring. Moreover, permission for LEO providers to offer Backhaul Services to mobile operators, helping expand coverage to remote areas. PTA also asks for measures to avoid interference with geostationary orbit (GSO) satellites and local wireless networks. The policy also establishes a Satellite Interference Reporting and Resolution System (SIRRS), with the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) designated to handle interference cases at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Licensing and Investment

The licensing regime proposes an initial fee of $500,000 and an annual contribution of 1.5% of gross revenue to the Universal Service Fund (USF). However, until PSARB finalises its framework, companies cannot proceed with infrastructure development or service rollout.

Officials acknowledged that despite IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja’s earlier promise of services by November or December 2025, no clear timeframe is available due to the pending regulatory approvals.