The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is in the final stages of launching satellite internet services in the country, with licenses expected to be issued within one to two weeks to companies meeting all registration requirements.

PTA sets up satellite directorate

To facilitate the rollout, a dedicated Satellite Directorate has been established at PTA headquarters in Islamabad. The directorate, operating under the Wireless Division, will handle licensing matters for satellite internet service providers and oversee regulatory compliance.

According to PTA sources, the authority has already prepared a single license format for satellite internet providers, streamlining the application process.

Rules under final review

PTA has also submitted its recommendations on regulatory rules to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission’s (SUPARCO) regulatory body (PSARB). Once these rules are approved and company registrations are complete, licenses will be issued without delay.

Also Read: PTA introduces single license policy for satellite internet services

Officials confirmed that eligible companies could receive licenses within one to two weeks after fulfilling registration criteria.

On Aug 8, the PTA introduced a major policy shift, announcing that companies providing satellite internet services will no longer be required to obtain multiple Local Loop (LL) licences.

Under the new framework, a single license will suffice for satellite internet operations across the country. Sources divulged that the move aligns with the Telecom Policy 2015 and is expected to streamline the regulatory process.

The revised licensing model offers companies such as Starlink the option to replace fourteen individual Long Distance and International (LDI) licences with a single national permit. Only satellite internet firms registered with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) will be eligible to receive the new licence.

Also Read: After Starlink, Chinese firms may launch satellite internet in Pakistan

Prior to this, it had been reported that following the entry of American tech giant Starlink, several Chinese companies had expressed interest in launching satellite internet services in Pakistan.

In response, the government had accelerated efforts to finalise the regulatory framework required to facilitate such operations. It directed relevant agencies to finalise the rules, regulations, and license conditions soon.

Regulatory framework nearing completion

According to official sources, the Pakistan Space Activity Regulatory Board (PSARB) has submitted a detailed consultant report to relevant authorities and institutions, including the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The report outlines proposed rules, regulations, and licensing conditions for companies wishing to operate satellite-based internet services in the country.