The anticipated rollout of satellite-based internet services in Pakistan has been postponed as authorities move to finalize updated regulatory frameworks and encourage more global players to enter the market. The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) is currently preparing the Satellite Communications Regulations, which are being developed based on industry feedback following a recent stakeholder roundtable. These new rules are expected to introduce stricter conditions for foreign operators, particularly in light of recent regional conflicts between India and Pakistan, and Iran and Israel.
With the temporary no-objection certificate (NOC) for Starlink having expired in March, all foreign satellite operators must now reapply for registration under the revised framework. Starlink, which was the first to formally apply, is now joined by two other Low Earth Orbit (LEO) providers—OneWeb and Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST)—who have expressed interest in launching services in Pakistan. All providers will be required to secure operational licenses from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) after their registration under the new system is completed.
A PTA official confirmed that service providers, including Starlink, may still be able to begin operations by the end of this year, pending the finalization of regulatory formalities. Industry sources also revealed that Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, is likely to attend the formal launch event in Pakistan, though a final confirmation is awaited.
The delay in granting Starlink a license was primarily due to the absence of a formal regulatory framework. The company has already secured approval to operate in several other markets, including India. However, Pakistani officials have highlighted the importance of having robust security clauses in place before permitting foreign satellite operators to enter the country’s telecommunications ecosystem. A senior official from the Ministry of IT and Telecom pointed out that recent geopolitical events underscored the need for tighter regulations to safeguard national interests. The official added that introducing multiple service providers would promote healthy competition and offer greater coverage flexibility.
LEO satellite networks operate at altitudes below 2,000 kilometers and are known for delivering high-speed internet with minimal latency—averaging around 25 milliseconds. These systems are less affected by weather disturbances and can provide affordable connectivity in hard-to-reach areas.
In contrast, Pakistan currently relies on PakSat, a state-owned company and subsidiary of Suparco, for satellite internet through its Multi-Mission-1 (MM-1) geostationary satellite. Positioned at around 37,500 kilometers from Earth, MM-1 has a latency delay of roughly 600 milliseconds. It mainly serves enterprise clients, military organizations, and telecom providers operating in remote or underserved areas. While PakSat has a user base of around 300 clients, its infrastructure can support up to 5,000 users, though its high-latency architecture limits its use for real-time applications.
Authorities view the inclusion of LEO operators as a necessary step to complement existing infrastructure, reduce latency for consumer internet, and expand service options nationwide. The move to welcome multiple players reflects a broader vision to enhance digital inclusion through next-generation satellite technologies.
