The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has released a draft plan for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) licensing, which is a significant move in the country’s digital development strategy.
This initiative is expected to attract major global satellite internet providers like Starlink and Shanghai Spacecom, making high-speed internet accessible in remote and underserved areas.
In its announcement, the PTA stated that the draft license will enable companies to build and operate satellite systems, including 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 is valid for 15 years. Companies must start their services within 18 months and establish at least one gateway earth station in Pakistan. They are also required to store all user data within the country to comply with local privacy regulations.
This new licensing model replaces a complex system of multiple permits with a single, streamlined framework. It incorporates feedback from consultations held in February 2025 and is consistent with the Pakistan Telecommunication Act and the Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024.
