The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is set to grant a licence for establishing, maintaining, and operating a system to provide Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) in the country. This move opens the door for satellite-based broadband, backhaul, and data communication facilities across Pakistan.
Fixed Satellite Services Green Signalled
According to the licence terms, the operator will be authorised, on a non-exclusive basis, to set up and run fixed earth stations, VSATs, gateway earth stations, and related terrestrial transmission facilities connecting with the Public Switched Network. The services will include satellite broadband, bandwidth provision to PTA licensees, corporate intranet solutions, and backhaul services.
Conditions and Agreements
For the licence, the operator must pay an Initial Licence Fee (ILF) of US$500,000. Annual contributions include 0.5% of gross revenue as Annual Licence Fee (ALF), 1.5% toward the Universal Service Fund (USF), and 0.5% as Annual Spectrum Usage Fee (ASUF). These charges will be calculated on gross revenue from licensed services, minus inter-operator costs and PTA/FAB mandated payments.
The licensee must comply with the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Act, relevant rules, and the Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024. Gateway and VSAT stations must be registered with the PTA, and subscriber data must be must be maintained and shared upon demand.
The licence does not allow Direct-to-Home (DTH), mobile satellite, direct-to-cell/device services, broadcasting, or internet to Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs) without separate authorisation. PTA requires that the licensee start services within 18 months of the licence’s effective date and establish at least one gateway earth station within Pakistan during that period.
