The launch of satellite-based internet services in Pakistan has been delayed as authorities seek to attract more players to the sector and introduce stricter regulations for foreign satellite operators, following the Pakistan-India conflict in May.

 

Following the expiration of the temporary no-objection certificate (NOC) for Starlink in March, all foreign satellite operators are now required to submit new applications under the newly drafted Satellite Communications Regula­tions.

 

The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) is finalising these regulations based on industry feedback gathered during a recent roundtable discussion.

 

Two other Low Earth Orbit (LEO) operators, OneWeb and Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), alongside Starlink, have expressed interest in starting operations in Pakistan.

 

Starlink, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, is one of the most technologically advanced companies globally among those providing internet via Low Earth Orbit satellites.

 

The LEO satellite network operates at an altitude of less than 2,000 kilometres from the Earth’s surface, offering high-speed data connectivity in all weather conditions at a relatively low cost, with a latency delay of only 25 milliseconds.

 

Once registered under the new regulations, satellite internet providers will need to obtain operational licences from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

 

Dawn News quoted a PTA official as claiming that all companies, including Starlink, can launch their services by the end of this year, and reportedly, Elon Musk is also likely to attend the launch ceremony.

 

It merits a mention that Starlink was the first company to submit a formal application for registration. However, the absence of regulations leads to delays in licensing. The company has already been granted approval to provide satellite internet services in India.

 

“The new regulations will include important security clauses that may have been overlooked if the recent wars had not occurred,” Dawn News quoted a senior official from the Ministry of IT and Telecom as saying. “Besides, Pakistan needs more than one satellite internet provider, and two more companies have expressed interest.”

 

PakSat, Pakistan’s state-owned company and a subsidiary of Space and Upper Atmosphere Research (SUPARCO), currently provides satellite internet through Satellite Multi-Mission-1 (MM-1), the country’s second telecommunication satellite, launched in August 2024.

 

PakSat currently serves around 300 clients, with a capacity to accommodate up to 5,000 users. The service is primarily sold to the armed forces, the corporate sector and telecom providers for remote regions.