Satellite Internet Companies
ISLAMABAD: The launch of satellite-based internet services in Pakistan has been delayed as the government prepares to invite additional international players and finalize new regulatory frameworks in response to heightened national security concerns following recent regional conflicts, including the India-Pakistan and Iran-Israel tensions.
The delay follows the expiration of Starlink’s temporary no-objection certificate (NOC) in March 2025. Now, all foreign satellite operators interested in providing services in Pakistan must reapply under the newly proposed Satellite Communications Regulations.
These updated regulations are currently being finalized by the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB), which is working closely with industry stakeholders to incorporate feedback gathered during a recent high-level roundtable discussion.
Besides Starlink — a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX — two other Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet providers have expressed formal interest in entering the Pakistani market: UK-based OneWeb and China’s Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST). These companies, once registered under the new framework, will also be required to obtain operational licences from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
A PTA official revealed that, barring any further delays, all companies — including Starlink — could be ready to launch services by the end of 2025. Interestingly, sources have hinted that Elon Musk himself may attend the launch ceremony, signaling the strategic importance of Pakistan’s growing digital market.
Starlink was the first LEO operator to submit a complete application for service authorization in Pakistan. However, the absence of formal regulations stalled the licensing process. In contrast, Starlink has already secured regulatory approval to provide services in neighboring India.
Officials from the Ministry of IT and Telecom stressed the importance of implementing comprehensive and stringent regulations. “Given the regional security climate, especially after the recent conflicts, we cannot afford to overlook the security implications of foreign-controlled satellite infrastructure,” said a senior official. He added that the government’s approach aims not only to ensure national security but also to encourage competition by involving multiple satellite internet providers in the market.
LEO satellite systems operate at altitudes below 2,000 kilometers, allowing them to deliver low-latency, high-speed internet even in adverse weather conditions. Their average latency is around 25 milliseconds, significantly faster than conventional geostationary satellite systems.
In contrast, Pakistan’s existing satellite internet service is provided by PakSat, a state-owned company and subsidiary of SUPARCO. PakSat operates the country’s second telecom satellite, Satellite Multi-Mission-1 (MM-1), launched in August 2024. Unlike LEO systems, the MM-1 is a geostationary satellite located approximately 37,500 kilometers from Earth, resulting in a latency of around 600 milliseconds.
Currently, PakSat services about 300 corporate and government clients, including the armed forces and telecom operators operating in remote areas. The system has the capacity to handle up to 5,000 users, though its coverage and speed are limited compared to LEO-based solutions.
The entry of global LEO providers is expected to greatly enhance Pakistan’s internet penetration, particularly in underserved rural and mountainous regions, and reduce dependence on terrestrial infrastructure. However, final approval and deployment will depend on how swiftly the government can enforce the new regulatory regime while balancing commercial growth with national security considerations.
