ISLAMABAD: In the wake of the recent confrontations between Iran-Israel and India-Pakistan, authorities are trying to bring more competitors into the market and create more stringent rules for foreign satellite operators, which has caused a delay in the country’s introduction of satellite-based internet services.
All foreign satellite operators must now file new applications under the recently enacted Satellite Communications Regulations after Starlink’s interim no-objection certificate (NOC) expired in March.
Based on input from the sector during a recent roundtable discussion, the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) is finalizing these regulations.
Two other Low Earth Orbit (LEO) operators, OneWeb and Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), have also indicated interest in beginning operations in Pakistan in addition to Starlink.
Satellite internet providers would need to apply for operational licenses from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) after registering in accordance with the new rules.
All businesses, including Starlink, can begin offering their services by the end of this year, according to a PTA official. Elon Musk, the SpaceX founder, is also anticipated to attend the launch ceremony, Dawn was informed by sources.
Although Starlink was the first business to formally apply for registration, the lack of regulations has caused delays in licensing. The business is already authorized to offer satellite internet services in India.
Strict controls are necessary to protect security, especially in light of recent conflicts, according to a top official from the Ministry of IT and Telecom.
According to the official, the new laws would incorporate crucial security provisions that might have gone unnoticed in the absence of the recent conflicts. “In addition, Pakistan requires multiple satellite internet providers, and two additional companies have shown interest”.
With a latency delay of just 25 milliseconds, the LEO satellite network provides high-speed data communication in all weather situations at a comparatively low cost. It operates at an altitude of less than 2,000 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.
Currently, satellite internet is offered by Pakistan’s state-owned PakSat, a Suparco Subsidiary, via Satellite Multi-Mission-1 (MM-1), the nation’s second telecommunication satellite, which was launched in August 2024.
The MM-1 is a geostationary satellite with a latency delay of roughly 600 milliseconds and an altitude of about 37,500 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, in contrast to LEO satellites.
With a capacity of up to 5,000 users, PakSat now serves about 300 customers. The military, telecom companies serving rural areas, and the corporate sector are the main customers of the service.
SOURCE: DAWN NEWS
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