Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has released a draft license framework for the regulation of Inflight Telecommunication Satellite services in Pakistan, marking the first formal step toward allowing passengers on domestic and international flights to access broadband internet and mobile telecommunication services while airborne. The proposed framework has been issued for public review and outlines the legal, operational, and technical conditions under which companies may apply to provide in-flight connectivity services across Pakistani airspace.
Under the draft framework, license holders will be permitted to establish and operate in-flight connectivity systems on a non-exclusive basis, meaning multiple service providers can enter the market simultaneously rather than operating under a single licensed monopoly. The services covered include both broadband internet access and mobile telecommunication connectivity during flights, with a key operational restriction stipulating that cellular services may only be activated when an aircraft is flying above 3,000 meters, a threshold designed to prevent interference with ground-based mobile networks during takeoff and landing phases. Operators will be required to partner with registered satellite providers and integrate their systems with Pakistan’s existing licensed telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring that in-flight services operate within the country’s established regulatory ecosystem rather than bypassing it. The license will carry a validity period of ten years, subject to renewal upon regulatory approval, and companies seeking to operate under the framework will be required to pay an initial license fee of $10,000, with spectrum fees subject to periodic revision in line with international standards.
The framework places significant emphasis on data sovereignty and national security. Operators must establish local gateway infrastructure within Pakistan and route all data traffic through domestic systems to ensure compliance with national data regulations, a requirement that mirrors the approach PTA has taken with other satellite and digital communication services. The draft mandates the installation of lawful interception and monitoring systems, prohibits foreign control over critical infrastructure components, and requires licensees to report and resolve service disruptions promptly. Technical standards set by both international bodies and national regulators, including aviation and telecommunications authorities, must be adhered to throughout operations, and strict data privacy and security obligations are placed on service providers to protect user information from unauthorized access or disclosure. The framework also includes provisions for termination, amendment, and ongoing regulatory oversight to ensure that operations remain aligned with Pakistan’s telecommunications laws as the sector evolves.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
