PTA, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, has unveiled the draft of the licensed framework for the satellite network known as Fixed Satellite Services (FSS). This network revolution will pave the way for the global giants and will bring high-speed satellite internet to Pakistan. This FSS network is the Starlink transformative step to bridge the digital divide. This will be more helpful for the rural broadband in Pakistan and will have the ability to refine connectivity across the region. Everything you need to know is provided below about the Startlink internet upgrade in Pakistan.  

Imagine you have seamless high-speed internet at your home in the remote mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan or the rural plains of Sindh and other regions of Pakistan, where the network is very slow. The PTA’s FSS license framework is a step toward making this real. By enabling satellite internet service across Pakistan, companies like Starlink Pakistan can deliver very high-speed internet to areas where traditional broadband is hard to reach. Industry experts hail this as the breakthrough for digital inclusion, economic growth, and technological advancement in the region in the shape of Startlink.

• Bridging the Digital Divide: Over 60% of Pakistan’s population lacks reliable internet access, particularly in rural areas (source: PTA, 2025). Satellite internet could change this.
• Economic Boost: Enhanced connectivity supports e-commerce, remote work, and digital education, driving GDP growth.
• Global Competitiveness: Aligning with global players like Starlink positions Pakistan as a hub for innovation.

What Is the PTA’s FSS License Framework?

The PTA’s draft FSS license, released in September 2025, outlines a non-exclusive framework for satellite internet providers to operate in Pakistan. Unlike the previous cumbersome process requiring 15 licenses costing $640,000, the new framework simplifies operations with a single license priced at $500,000. Here’s a breakdown:

• License Scope: Covers Fixed Earth Stations, Gateway Earth Stations, and Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT), enabling broadband, backhaul, intranet, and satellite bandwidth services.
• Validity and Requirements:
  • Valid for 15 years.
  • Operators must launch services within 18 months of approval.
  • At least one Gateway Earth Station must be established in Pakistan.
  • Compliance with local data regulations ensures user data stays within Pakistan, aligning with national security and digital sovereignty policies.
• Financial Commitments:
  • Initial license fee: $500,000.
  • Annual contributions: 1.5% to Universal Service Fund, 0.5% for spectrum usage, and 0.5% for annual license fees.
• Streamlined Process: Replaces the need for multiple licenses, reducing costs and bureaucratic hurdles.

This framework, shaped by stakeholder feedback from February 2025, is open for public review on the PTA’s website until September 19, 2025.

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The Role of PSARB: Regulating Space Activities

Before applying for the PTA license, companies must register with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB), established under the Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024. PSARB is developing a regulatory framework to ensure:

• Licensing and Safety: Streamlined authorization for the satellite operations.
• Frequency Coordination: Avoiding interference with existing networks.
• Data Protection: Safeguarding the privacy of the user and national interests.

Backed by the National Space Policy 2023, PSARB aims to foster a competitive and transparent space ecosystem, making Pakistan an attractive market for global players like SpaceX and Starlink to launch in Pakistan.

Starlink and Others Benefit

The FSS license opens doors for global satellite internet providers like Starlink (SpaceX), OneWeb, and Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST). Here’s why this is a game-changer:

• Simplified Market Entry: A single license reduces costs and complexity, making Pakistan a viable market.
• Rural Connectivity: Starlink’s low-earth-orbit satellites can deliver speeds up to 150 Mbps, ideal for rural broadband connections in Pakistan.
• Scalability: Non-exclusive licensing encourages competition, driving innovation and affordability.

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For example, Starlink has already transformed internet access in many remote regions globally, from rural Australia to numerous isolated Pacific islands. Pakistan’s diverse terrain makes it a prime candidate for similar pre-tested success.

What’s Next for Satellite Internet in Pakistan?

The PTA’s draft license is a call to action for stakeholders. Companies interested in entering the market should:

1. Review the Draft: Visit the PTA website before September 19, 2025, to provide feedback.
2. Register with PSARB: Ensure compliance with space activity and regulations.
3. Plan Infrastructure: Prepare to establish the Gateway Earth Stations and roll out services within 18 months.

For consumers, this means faster, more reliable internet is on the horizon. Whether you are a student in a remote village or a business owner in Karachi, the PTA Starlink approval could transform how you connect.

FAQs About Satellite Internet in Pakistan

Call to Action

The PTA’s FSS license framework is a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s digital future. Are you excited about Starlink Pakistan bringing high-speed internet to your doorstep? Share your thoughts in the comments below and subscribe to our newsletter for updates to stay informed about the Pakistan internet upgrade. Let’s shape the future of connectivity together!