Satellite Internet in Pakistan: Global Providers Face Delays Amid Regulatory Hurdles

ISLAMABAD | September 2025 — Five leading international satellite internet providers — OneWeb (Eutelsat Group), Amazon’s Project Kuiper, SpaceCell (SSST), Starlink, and Telesat — are prepared to launch services in Pakistan, but progress is being slowed by regulatory challenges.

These companies have expressed strong interest in investing millions of dollars to deliver high-speed broadband across Pakistan, particularly targeting remote and underserved areas. However, bureaucratic hurdles and institutional delays are preventing a timely rollout.

Regulatory Bottlenecks Holding Back Launch

Industry sources reveal that the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) is moving slowly in processing registrations, leaving the projects in limbo. While the Ministry of IT and Telecom is tasked with supporting the initiative, it has yet to resolve the institutional deadlock.

The absence of a finalized regulatory framework for satellite internet services is a major barrier. Without it, foreign investors cannot proceed with full-scale operations in Pakistan.

Impact on Digital Pakistan Vision

This delay poses risks for the government’s flagship “Digital Pakistan” initiative, which aims to expand digital connectivity and modernize national infrastructure.

Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima had previously announced that satellite internet services could launch by November or December 2025. But insiders now caution that the timeline may be pushed further unless the licensing and legal framework are finalized soon.

Steps Already Taken

• In December 2023, Pakistan approved its first National Space Policy.

• In February 2024, the Pakistan Space Activities Rules were introduced, establishing the PSARB to regulate the space sector.

These reforms were expected to encourage private and international operators. Yet, regulatory bottlenecks have slowed the momentum, putting potential foreign investment and broadband expansion at risk.

The Road Ahead

Officials at PSARB confirm that a draft regulatory framework has been prepared and is under consultation with stakeholders. However, final approval may take more time.

Industry experts stress that timely policy clarity is essential for unlocking investments and ensuring Pakistan can benefit from the latest satellite internet technologies, which could transform education, business, and digital services nationwide.