PTA has issued a draft license framework for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS), setting the stage for both global and local satellite internet providers to formally establish operations in Pakistan. The framework, published on PTA’s website for public review until September 19, 2025, is designed to simplify licensing and reduce financial barriers for companies looking to deliver satellite-based broadband, backhaul, intranet, and bandwidth services. This move signals a major opening for international operators such as Starlink (SpaceX), Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), OneWeb, and others who have been eyeing the Pakistani market for expanded connectivity offerings.
According to PTA, the draft license incorporates input from stakeholders collected during a consultation held in February 2025. Under this framework, companies will be allowed to establish, maintain, and operate satellite systems within Pakistan on a non-exclusive basis. The scope of the license includes Fixed Earth Stations, Gateway Earth Stations, and Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT), which will enable delivery of high-speed internet to underserved and remote regions. Once licensed, providers will be able to offer fixed satellite services directly to consumers, streamlining access for end users who previously had limited connectivity options.
A key feature of the new framework is the significant reduction in licensing requirements and fees. Previously, companies were required to secure a total of 15 separate licenses—one Long Distance and International (LDI) license and 14 Local Loop (LL) licenses—costing US $640,000 before beginning operations. PTA’s draft now condenses this into a single license with an initial fee of US $500,000, valid for 15 years. Operators must roll out services within 18 months of approval and establish at least one Gateway Earth Station in Pakistan. In addition, the license mandates compliance with local data regulations, ensuring that all user data generated or processed stays within the country’s borders. This aligns with national security priorities and digital sovereignty policies, providing a clear regulatory pathway for satellite internet companies.
Before applying for the PTA license, providers must register with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB), which was created after the Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024 came into effect. PSARB is responsible for authorizing and managing outer space activities in Pakistan, and it is currently developing a regulatory framework with an international consultant to address licensing, safety standards, frequency coordination, and data protection. This framework is based on the National Space Policy approved in 2023 and the 2024 rules. Once finalized, PSARB will begin the process of registering satellite internet companies, allowing them to proceed with licensing and service deployment.
Financial obligations under the draft license are also clearly defined. Besides the initial license fee of US $500,000, operators will contribute 1.5 percent of gross revenues to the Universal Service Fund, 0.5 percent for spectrum usage, and 0.5 percent as an annual license fee. This revenue-sharing model is intended to support digital inclusion initiatives while balancing regulatory oversight with opportunities for sustainable business growth. Industry observers note that the framework, by consolidating licensing requirements and clarifying obligations, could accelerate the entry of international satellite operators and enhance connectivity options across Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.
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