Four to five satellite internet companies have expressed interest in launching services in Pakistan, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chairman told a Senate committee.
However, these companies must wait for the Pakistan Space Board to approve a regulatory framework before obtaining licences.
The development emerged during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan.
Satellite Internet Firms Await Regulatory Framework
The committee also discussed the delayed launch of Starlink in Pakistan.
The PTA chairman explained that interested satellite internet companies could move forward once the Pakistan Space Board finalises the required regulatory framework.
The framework will establish the rules companies must follow before they can offer satellite-based internet services in the country.
Meanwhile, the committee examined several other telecommunications issues, including alleged excess charges collected from mobile users and outstanding payments from long-distance and international (LDI) operators.
Rs6.58 Billion Mobile Charges Under Review
According to an audit report, a private company allegedly collected an additional Rs6.58 billion from mobile users.
The committee also reviewed the PTA policy allowing mobile operators to increase tariffs by up to 15% each quarter.
An audit official said the objection focused on the PTA policy itself, which allegedly conflicted with existing rules.
The official noted that Pakistan’s telecommunications sector operates under a deregulated framework. However, he stressed that the PTA remains responsible for regulating major operators, including Jazz.
A Departmental Accounts Committee meeting has already examined the alleged additional collection by Jazz.
During the discussion, Senator Kamran Murtaza proposed a National Accountability Bureau inquiry. Federal IT and Telecommunications Minister Shaza Fatima instead proposed a forensic examination of the entire matter.
The committee chairman also revealed that a PTA tariff document had been signed incorrectly.
LDI Companies Owe Billions
The committee separately examined outstanding cases involving LDI companies.
A Ministry of IT official said the Telecom Tribunal has now been established and started functioning. The authorities have transferred 20 cases involving LDI companies to the tribunal.
The official said the companies’ licences had expired, while the PTA issued orders after conducting hearings. The affected companies later challenged those decisions.
Meanwhile, a PTA member told the committee that 38 LDI-related cases remain pending before courts.
The authority has also contacted the Attorney General regarding the cases and raised the matter before relevant judicial forums.
Rs84 Billion Outstanding From LDI Firms
The PTA member said LDI companies currently owe Rs24 billion, while another Rs60 billion remains outstanding in late payment surcharges.
Together, the outstanding amount reaches Rs84 billion.
The Ministry of IT official said the Telecom Tribunal should help resolve these cases more quickly.
However, companies will retain the right to approach the Supreme Court after receiving a tribunal decision.
The Senate committee has now sought a progress report on the outstanding LDI cases and related regulatory issues at its next meeting.
Meanwhile, satellite internet companies remain focused on Pakistan’s emerging market, but their entry depends on the Space Board’s regulatory framework and subsequent licensing process.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com) and subscribe to the YouTube Channel.
