The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced its decision to grant a non-exclusive license for the provision of Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) in Pakistan, excluding Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. This license will allow the establishment of Fixed Earth Stations, Fixed Gateway Earth Stations, and Fixed Terminal Earth Stations, along with the necessary terrestrial transmission infrastructure for public network connectivity. However, satellite services can only be provided through a registered satellite operator.
The consultation paper on the draft license for Fixed Satellite Services outlines several prohibitions, including the operation of public switched terrestrial networks, mobile satellite services, radio and TV broadcasting, and satellite-based services for moving objects like vessels, aircraft, and vehicles. The licensee will also be required to comply with stringent regulatory guidelines set by the Pakistan Telecommunication Act, the Rules, and the Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024. Additionally, all network infrastructure must be registered with PTA before service deployment.
READ MORE: PCB Unveils New Logo for PSL 2025 to Celebrate 10th Anniversary
The duration of the license is set for 15 years, with a renewal option available, provided the licensee submits a renewal request at least 24 months before the license expires. Renewal is not automatic, as PTA reserves the right to deny it in case of regulatory violations. The licensee must begin operations within 18 months of receiving the license to ensure timely service rollout.
Financial obligations for the licensee include an initial license fee of $500,000, an annual license fee of 0.5% of gross revenue, a 1.5% contribution to the Universal Service Fund (USF), and additional annual spectrum fees and station registration charges. Compliance with national security regulations is also mandatory, including data retention, lawful interception, and cybersecurity measures. The transfer of user data or provision of remote access outside Pakistan is prohibited.
The licensee is required to maintain quality of service (QoS) standards as per PTA regulations and submit quarterly performance reports. Customer privacy, confidentiality of user data, and a transparent billing system must be ensured, with a mechanism in place for dispute resolution. PTA reserves the authority to regulate tariffs if it deems the pricing to be unfair or unreasonable.
To finalize the regulatory framework, PTA has initiated a public consultation process on the draft Fixed Satellite Services license. Stakeholders are invited to submit feedback via email at [email protected] by February 14, 2025. The PTA aims to incorporate industry insights to enhance transparency before formally issuing the license.
