ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is advancing toward the introduction of satellite-basedinternet services, driven by the need to bridge connectivity gaps in remoteareas while placing paramount emphasis on national security, dataprotection, and stringent regulatory oversight. The PakistanTelecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Pakistan Space ActivitiesRegulatory Board (PSARB) have developed comprehensive frameworks to governlow Earth orbit (LEO) and fixed satellite services, ensuring foreignoperators comply with local standards before launching. This cautiousapproach reflects concerns over data sovereignty amid growing globalinterest from providers like Starlink, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, and others,as the country seeks to modernise its digital infrastructure withoutcompromising strategic interests.
The regulatory evolution began with the National Space Policy of 2023 andthe Space Activities Rules of 2024, which established PSARB as the key bodyfor overseeing space-related operations. These policies mandate thatinternational companies register with PSARB before applying for operationallicences from the PTA. A draft framework for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS)licences, released in 2025, simplifies the process by requiring a singlenational licence valid for 15 years, with reduced fees and clear rollouttimelines. Operators must establish gateway earth stations within Pakistanwithin 18 months of approval, ensuring control remains domestic andpreventing unregulated foreign access to critical infrastructure.
National security considerations dominate the licensing regime, influencedby regional tensions and the strategic importance of communicationnetworks. Authorities have prioritised provisions that allow the governmentto suspend services during emergencies or for security reasons. Foreignproviders face strict vetting, including spectrum allocation coordinationand compliance with cybersecurity protocols. The PTA has created adedicated Satellite Directorate to manage applications, ensuring alignmentwith national interests. This framework addresses fears that unrestrictedsatellite access could bypass existing firewalls, enable circumvention ofcontent restrictions, or expose sensitive data flows to external entities.
Data protection forms a cornerstone of the approach, with regulationsprohibiting offshore storage of Pakistani user data for services requiringlocal handling. Cross-border data transfers are restricted, and all userterminals must be registered locally. These measures align with broaderdata sovereignty goals, including the draft Personal Data Protectionframework, which emphasises secure handling and localisation of criticalinformation. By mandating local gateways and prohibiting foreignoperational control, the government aims to safeguard privacy, preventunauthorised surveillance, and maintain regulatory authority over digitalcommunications in an era of advancing technology.
The push for satellite internet stems from the persistent digital divide,where traditional broadband fails to reach rural and remote regions.Pakistan’s own PakSat-MM1 multi-mission communication satellite, launchedin collaboration with China and operational since 2024, provideshigh-throughput services but relies on geostationary technology withlimitations in latency and coverage compared to LEO systems. Domesticefforts through the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission(SUPARCO) and partnerships with entities like the NationalTelecommunication Corporation seek to enhance connectivity, includingbackhaul support for mobile operators and applications in e-governance,tele-education, and telemedicine.
International interest has intensified, with multiple global playersengaging regulators. Starlink received provisional approvals and a NoObjection Certificate in early 2025 but awaits final security clearancesand permanent PSARB registration for full operations. Similar engagementsinvolve Amazon’s Project Kuiper, targeting a 2026 rollout, alongsideEuropean and Chinese operators. These companies offer low-latency,high-speed broadband ideal for underserved areas, yet must adhere tolocalisation rules that include building infrastructure domestically andrespecting content blocking directives from the PTA.
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The balanced strategy aims to attract investment and technologicaladvancement while protecting sovereignty. Officials emphasise thatunchecked foreign systems could pose risks to national cyber governance,foreign exchange reserves, and strategic communications. By enforcing localdata hosting and gateway control, Pakistan seeks to foster competition thatbenefits consumers without undermining security. The framework alsosupports domestic capabilities, positioning PakSat and SUPARCO initiativesas complementary alternatives to foreign LEO networks.
Challenges persist, including delays in finalising licences due tomulti-agency coordination and the need for robust enforcement mechanisms.Industry stakeholders have provided feedback on drafts, highlighting theimportance of streamlined processes to accelerate rollout. Successfulimplementation could transform Pakistan’s digital landscape, expandingaccess to reliable internet for millions while upholding rigoroussafeguards.
As the regulatory process nears completion, expectations grow for initiallaunches by late 2025 or early 2026, contingent on compliance. Thisdevelopment underscores Pakistan’s commitment to a secure, sovereigndigital future amid rapid global advancements in satellite technology.
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