The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has decided to grant a non-exclusive license for providing Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) in Pakistan, excluding Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The license will allow the establishment of Fixed Earth Stations, Fixed Gateway Earth Stations, and Fixed Terminal Earth Stations, along with necessary terrestrial transmission facilities for public network connectivity. However, the service can only be offered through a registered satellite operator.
The consultation paper on the draft license for Fixed Satellite Services outlines several prohibitions, such as the operation of a public switched terrestrial network, mobile satellite services, radio and TV broadcasting, and satellite-based services for moving objects like vessels, aircraft, and vehicles. The licensee must also comply with strict regulatory requirements under the Pakistan Telecommunication Act, Rules, and the Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024. All network infrastructure must be registered with PTA before service deployment. The license will be valid for 15 years, with the possibility of renewal if the licensee submits a request at least 24 months before its expiration. Renewal is not guaranteed, as PTA may deny it due to any violations of regulatory requirements. The licensee must begin operations within 18 months of receiving the license to ensure a timely rollout of services.
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The financial obligations for the licensee include an initial license fee of $500,000, an annual fee of 0.5% of gross revenue, a 1.5% contribution to the Universal Service Fund (USF), along with annual spectrum fees and station registration charges. The licensee is also required to comply with national security regulations, including data retention, lawful interception, and cybersecurity measures. The transfer of user data or remote access outside Pakistan is prohibited.
The licensee must maintain quality of service (QoS) standards as per PTA regulations, and submit quarterly performance reports. Customer rights and privacy protections must be guaranteed, including confidentiality of user data, a transparent billing system, and a dispute resolution mechanism. PTA retains the authority to regulate tariffs if they are deemed unfair or unreasonable.
To finalize the regulatory framework, PTA has launched a public consultation process on the draft Fixed Satellite Services license. The draft document is available on the PTA website, and stakeholders are invited to submit feedback by email at [email protected] by February 14, 2025. This consultation aims to increase transparency and include industry input before the formal issuance of the license.
