Tech Desk 
Sep 12, 2025
An undated image of a satellite. — Canva
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is ready to issue Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) licences, a major step towards satellite-delivered internet and backhaul connectivity in Pakistan.
Under the licence, operators will receive approval—on a non-exclusive basis—to establish and operate fixed earth stations, VSATs, gateway earth stations, and supporting terrestrial links to connect to Pakistan’s Public Switched Network.
Whereas licensed services would include satellite broadband, corporate intranet solutions, bandwidth to telecommunications operators, and backhaul services for existing mobile and fixed networks.
Fixed Satellite Service licence
Operators will pay an Initial Licence Fee (ILF) of USD 500,000 to acquire a licence and pay an annual fee to three different sector funds: 0.5% of gross revenue as the Annual Licence Fee, 1.5% for the Universal Service Fund (USF), and 0.5% as the Annual Spectrum Usage Fee (ASUF).
Operators will have to roll out services within 18 months, achieving an obligation to build at least one gateway earth station in Pakistan.
The licence will not authorise Direct-to-Home (DTH) TV, mobile satellite or direct-to-device services, or any internet to ESIMs without separate approval from the PTA.
Moreover, operators will also be obligated to follow the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Act, Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations, and the new Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024.
