The new Satellite Directorate at PTA’s Islamabad headquarters will streamline licensing and regulatory oversight for satellite-based internet providers.

A single, unified license format has been prepared to simplify the application process. PTA has also forwarded its proposed regulatory rules to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission’s regulatory body (PSARB), with final approval expected soon. Once the company registrations are complete, licenses will be granted promptly.

Starlink holds provisional registration with PSARB. A full operational license awaits permanent registration and completion of all technical and regulatory requirements.

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Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology applied in 2024 and is now rostered alongside Starlink as key contenders.

Officials estimate that satellite internet services—offered by LEO (Low Earth Orbit) providers like Starlink and others—could launch by year-end, once final regulatory steps are taken.

Following the satellite launches, 5G rollout is also being actively prepared for by PTA in Pakistan, with the rollout bringing forth cybersecurity and spectrum challenges. While 5G infrastructure is still under development, satellite internet promises to bridge digital gaps—especially in remote areas where laying fibre is cost-prohibitive.

Satellite services like those from Starlink offer low-latency broadband (around 25 ms) compared to the geostationary PakSat system (600 ms), and can serve underserved regions effectively.

For many Pakistanis—especially those in rural or infrastructure-poor areas—this