Pakistan Prepares to Welcome Global Satellite Internet Companies

Pakistan is taking steps to facilitate the entry of international satellite internet companies into the country, potentially expanding high-speed internet access in remote and underserved areas.

According to a government update, leading global satellite operators have been advised to complete registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) before proceeding with registration under Pakistan’s satellite regulatory framework.

Several major companies, including SpaceX’s Starlink, OneWeb, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology and Sateliot, have reportedly expressed interest in entering the Pakistani market.

Starlink Registration Completed

Starlink has already completed its registration with SECP, while other interested satellite operators have been advised to begin the required registration process before applying for approval from the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB).

PSARB is also coordinating with the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to streamline spectrum allocation and licensing requirements.

Satellite Internet Could Improve Connectivity

The government views satellite broadband as an important part of Pakistan’s digital connectivity strategy. Satellite-based services could help provide reliable internet access to communities where traditional broadband infrastructure is difficult or expensive to deploy.

The technology could also support telecom backhaul, improve network resilience and contribute to wider digital inclusion.

Regulatory Framework Under Development

Satellite communications in Pakistan are regulated under the National Space Policy. PSARB is responsible for developing the regulatory framework for satellite systems, while PTA handles licensing for telecommunication services.

PSARB has prepared draft Satellite Communications Regulations covering NGSO and LEO satellite systems, and the proposals are currently undergoing final consultations.

Meanwhile, PTA has developed a Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) licensing framework, which is reportedly at an advanced stage and is expected to be presented to the Federal Cabinet.

What the New Framework Could Cover

The proposed framework is intended to create a transparent and investment-friendly environment for both GSO and LEO/NGSO satellite operators, while maintaining national spectrum management and security requirements.

The FSS framework is expected to cover services such as:

• Satellite broadband
• Telecom backhaul
• Bandwidth services
• Corporate data connectivity

If the regulatory and licensing process moves forward as planned, Pakistan could see greater participation from international satellite internet providers and improved connectivity options, particularly in areas with limited conventional broadband infrastructure.