Pakistan is set to experience a major leap in digital connectivity as Kacific Broadband Satellites Group (Kacific) and PAKSAT collaborate to bring high-speed, affordable satellite internet to underserved areas. This strategic partnership aims to bridge the country’s digital divide by leveraging 11 Ka-band spot beams on the Paksat MM1 satellite, ensuring broadband access for millions who currently lack reliable internet services.
With a capacity to support over 20,000 sites, the collaboration will extend broadband connectivity to businesses, government agencies, ISPs, and telecom operators. It will also play a crucial role in mobile backhaul and backup connectivity, particularly in remote and rural regions. Pakistan’s space agency, SUPARCO, which oversees the PAKSAT project, has long been committed to advancing the nation’s digital infrastructure. The launch of Paksat-MM1 in May 2024 was a milestone in this journey, offering seamless nationwide coverage and 99% connectivity availability. The satellite’s gateway beams over Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad ensure stable internet connections, monitored in real-time and supported 24/7 by Kacific’s technical team.
The partnership comes at a time when Pakistan’s broadband demand is growing exponentially. However, despite the increasing need, over 131.8 million Pakistanis remain offline, and fiber connectivity remains a challenge. The country’s fiber-to-the-home access rate is below 5%, and only 15% of the 55,000 cell towers are connected to fiber infrastructure—far below the global benchmark of 40%. By utilizing high-speed satellite technology, Kacific’s solution will bypass these limitations, offering a more cost-effective alternative to fiber networks. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif previously hailed the launch of Paksat-MM1 as a transformative step for Pakistan’s digital future. Minister of State for IT & Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, also emphasized the importance of satellite-based internet in connecting remote communities and strengthening the country’s digital economy.
Kacific is actively working with local strategic partners to ensure the success of this initiative. Paksat International (Pvt) Limited is marketing the satellite’s capacity, while SUPARCO ensures smooth operations. As a company with experience in large-scale VSAT deployment, rural connectivity, and disaster response, Kacific has already provided internet access to over 500,000 users across 25 countries. A key element of Kacific’s expansion in Pakistan is the introduction of its Gigstarter plans, designed to offer affordable, high-speed internet to businesses and households. Three consumer plans will be available, with speeds of 30/20 Mbps, 60/20 Mbps, and 100/20 Mbps. These services will be billed on a per-site, monthly basis, providing cost-effective connectivity solutions.
To facilitate widespread adoption, Kacific plans to train and certify hundreds of Kacific Authorized Distributors (KADs) who will install, resell, and maintain internet services across the country. This will not only improve internet access but also create economic opportunities and empower local communities. As Pakistan moves toward greater digital inclusion, the Kacific-PAKSAT partnership is set to play a pivotal role in transforming the nation’s connectivity landscape. By integrating cutting-edge satellite technology with national assets, the initiative promises to unlock new economic and educational opportunities, ensuring that even the most remote areas of Pakistan can thrive in the digital era.
