Goodbye, Slow Internet? Pakistan Opens the Door for Starlink
Pakistan is on the verge of a major digital leap. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has just unveiled a new licensing plan that makes it much easier for satellite internet companies, including global giants like Starlink, to set up shop in the country. This is a game-changer for places where traditional internet just can’t reach.
The new framework for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) is the result of a lot of back-and-forth with different groups. The PTA says they took all the feedback they got in February and used it to create a simpler, more efficient system. Instead of the old, complicated process that required 15 different licenses and cost $640,000, companies now only need one license, and the fee is a lot more reasonable at $500,000. It’s a huge shift that should attract more providers to the market.
This single license allows companies to install, maintain, and run satellite systems across the country. That includes everything from large gateway stations to the small terminals people would use at home. This means they can offer a wide range of services, like high-speed broadband and corporate networks.
There are a few key rules, though. The license is good for 15 years, but providers have to start their service within a year and a half of getting it. They also need to build at least one gateway station inside Pakistan. A big part of this new policy is about keeping data local. The rules state that all user information has to stay within the country’s borders, which is an important step for national security.
Before a company can even apply for the PTA license, they have to register with a different organization, the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB). This board was created last year to handle all things related to space activities in the country. They’re currently working on their own rules for licensing and other things like safety and data protection. Once that’s all sorted, they’ll start registering these satellite companies.
On the money side, the license has a clear financial breakdown. After the initial fee, providers will have to contribute annually to a few funds: 1.5% of their total income to the Universal Service Fund, 0.5% for spectrum usage, and 0.5% for the yearly license fee. This setup is designed to help the government and also encourage business growth, with some of the money going toward getting more people connected.
The public can check out the details of this new license on the PTA’s website until September 19, 2025. It seems like this new, streamlined approach is paving the way for international players like Starlink (from SpaceX), OneWeb, and others to finally enter Pakistan’s market and shake things up.
