Starlink, rivals line up as Pakistan nears satellite internet regulatory breakthrough

Pakistan is on the verge of opening its lucrative digital market to global satellite internet giants, with SpaceX’s Starlink, OneWeb, Shanghai Spacecom 3 Satellite Technology and Sateliot eyeing entry as the government moves to finalise rules for satellite broadband and expects the Fixed Satellite Services licensing framework to reach the Federal Cabinet shortly.

Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja, in a written response, said a comprehensive regulatory regime for satellite communications was in advanced stages of finalisation and would enable reliable high-speed connectivity in remote and underserved areas while strengthening telecom backhaul, network resilience and digital inclusion.

She said satellite communications were governed under the National Space Policy, under which the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) was mandated to develop the regulatory framework for satellite systems, while the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was responsible for licensing telecommunication services.

The draft Satellite Communications Regulations, including provisions for non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) and low-earth orbit (LEO) systems, have already been prepared by PSARB and are undergoing final consultations, the minister said.

Separately, PTA has developed the Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) licensing framework, which is at an advanced stage and is expected to be presented before the Federal Cabinet shortly.

The proposed regulatory regime is aimed at creating a transparent, technology-neutral and investment-friendly environment for both geostationary orbit (GSO) and LEO/NGSO operators, while maintaining compliance with national spectrum management and security requirements.The FSS framework will enable operators to offer satellite broadband, telecom backhaul, bandwidth provision and corporate data services, laying the groundwork for a broader satellite-enabled connectivity ecosystem in Pakistan.

The development could significantly alter Pakistan’s connectivity landscape, particularly in areas where conventional fibre and mobile networks remain commercially difficult to deploy.

Khawaja said several leading global satellite operators had shown interest in entering the Pakistani market, including SpaceX’s Starlink, OneWeb, Shanghai Spacecom 3 Satellite Technology and Sateliot.

Starlink has already registered itself with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), while other operators have been advised to complete SECP registration before proceeding with PSARB registration.

The government is simultaneously working to align spectrum allocation with the licensing process. PSARB is actively coordinating with the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) and PTA to ensure that spectrum management and licensing requirements move in tandem.

The minister said satellite broadband was a key component of Pakistan’s digital strategy, particularly for extending high-speed internet to remote and underserved communities.

Beyond consumer internet services, the proposed framework is expected to facilitate satellite-based telecom backhaul and corporate connectivity, potentially providing an additional layer of resilience to Pakistan’s communications infrastructure.

The move assumes greater significance with the rapid expansion of LEO satellite constellations globally. Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, LEO systems operate much closer to Earth and can provide comparatively lower-latency connectivity.For Pakistan, the entry of multiple international operators could also introduce greater competition in the satellite connectivity market, expand coverage and support digital inclusion in areas where terrestrial infrastructure remains limited.

However, operators will have to comply with Pakistan’s spectrum, licensing and national security requirements before commencing commercial operations.

With PSARB’s satellite regulations undergoing final consultations and PTA’s FSS framework nearing Cabinet consideration, Pakistan appears poised to move from policy formulation to actual licensing of satellite internet services, potentially bringing Starlink and its global competitors into a formally regulated market.

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