ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has recommended issuing licenses to satellite internet providers, including Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper, as part of efforts to improve internet connectivity in remote areas and along the country’s motorway network.
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Who recommended the licensing of Starlink and OneWeb in Pakistan?
The recommendation was shared during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, where PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman briefed lawmakers on the country’s progress towards introducing satellite broadband services.
PTA Chairman on internet service in Pakistan
The PTA chairman said satellite internet has become an important solution for delivering reliable broadband services in underserved regions where expanding conventional telecom infrastructure is both expensive and technically challenging.
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According to the chairman, the PTA has completed the required technical and regulatory preparations and has forwarded its recommendations to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication for further consideration.
He pointed to Nepal as an example of a country that has successfully used satellite internet services to strengthen nationwide connectivity, particularly in geographically challenging areas.
The process of obtaining registration
The chairman explained that satellite internet providers will first need to obtain registration from the Space Activities Regulatory Board before they can apply for telecommunications licences from the PTA to launch commercial operations in Pakistan.
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Pakistan has been working on a regulatory framework for satellite broadband as part of its broader strategy to extend high-speed internet access beyond urban centres and bridge the country’s digital divide.
If approved, the move could pave the way for global satellite internet providers to begin offering services in Pakistan, expanding broadband availability in areas where traditional fibre and mobile networks remain limited.
| Category |
Details |
| Regulator |
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) |
| Recommendation |
Licence satellite internet operators in Pakistan |
| Companies |
Starlink, OneWeb, Amazon Project Kuiper |
| Objective |
Expand internet access in remote areas and on motorways |
| Current Status |
Recommendations submitted to the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication |
| Registration Requirement |
Space Activities Regulatory Board approval |
| Commercial Licence |
Issued by PTA after regulatory registration |
| International Example |
Nepal’s satellite broadband deployment |
| Expected Impact |
Reduce the digital divide and improve nationwide broadband coverage |
Key Points:
- PTA has recommended licensing satellite internet providers including Starlink, OneWeb and Amazon’s Project Kuiper.
- The proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.
- Satellite internet is intended to improve connectivity in remote regions and along motorways.
- Operators will first require registration with the Space Activities Regulatory Board before obtaining PTA licences.
- PTA cited Nepal as an example of successful satellite broadband deployment.
- The initiative is part of Pakistan’s broader effort to expand high-speed internet access and reduce the digital divide.
