The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has released a draft license framework for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS), opening the door for global and local satellite internet providers to formally operate in the country. This move is expected to pave the way for major players like Elon Musk’s Starlink to enter the Pakistani market.
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Industry experts see this as a breakthrough that could transform digital connectivity, especially in remote and underserved areas. According to the PTA, the draft FSS license incorporates extensive feedback from stakeholders and outlines a non-exclusive framework for companies to establish, maintain, and operate satellite systems in Pakistan.
The scope of the license covers Fixed Earth Stations, Gateway Earth Stations, and Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT). This will enable the delivery of broadband, backhaul, intranet, and satellite bandwidth services, creating major opportunities for global satellite internet players eyeing the Pakistani market.
Under the new framework, companies can obtain a single license from the PTA to begin providing fixed satellite services directly to consumers. The license fee has been set at US640,000.
Valid for 15 years, the license mandates that operators roll out services within 18 months of approval and establish at least one Gateway Earth Station in Pakistan. It also requires companies to comply with local data regulations, ensuring all user data is processed and stored within the country’s borders to align with national security policies.
Before applying for a PTA license, satellite internet providers must first register with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB). The PSARB, established under the Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024, is currently developing a regulatory framework for licensing, safety, and data protection. This framework is built on the National Space Policy approved in 2023 and aims to create a competitive and transparent space environment.
The draft license also outlines clear financial commitments, including an initial fee of US$500,000 and annual contributions towards the Universal Service Fund (1.5% of gross revenues), spectrum usage fees (0.5%), and annual license fees (0.5%). This revenue-sharing model is designed to support digital inclusion while balancing regulatory oversight.
The PTA has made the draft license publicly available on its website until September 19, 2025, inviting feedback from stakeholders. Observers believe this development will enable international satellite operators such as Starlink (SpaceX), Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), and OneWeb to establish a strong presence in Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.