Pakistan satellite internet regulatory development

Pakistan is developing a regulatory framework to establish a commercial satellite internet market. The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) has drafted new communications regulations, while the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has created a licensing framework for Fixed Satellite Services. This initiative is intended to provide broadband connectivity to remote and underserved regions, such as Balochistan’s highlands and Gilgit-Baltistan’s mountain valleys, where traditional fiber or 4G infrastructure is lacking.

Several international operators, including SpaceX’s Starlink, OneWeb, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology, and Sateliot, have expressed interest in the market. Starlink has already completed registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The government has advised other interested firms to establish a local corporate presence through the SECP before seeking further regulatory approvals.

In related infrastructure shifts, Pak Datacom Limited has migrated satellite connectivity for certain state institutions, such as the National Bank of Pakistan, from the domestic PAKSAT network to the UAE-based YahClick service, citing technical necessity and capacity requirements.