PTA to issue licences for Fixed Satellite Services in Pakistan

PTA says licensee must comply with relevant laws and regulations, including Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024 and directives from SUPARCO
An undated image. — Depositphotos
An undated image. — Depositphotos

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is set to grant a license to Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) in Pakistan. 

With this initiative, PTA aims to boost the satellite-based communication services in the country while ensuring compliance with national laws and regulatory frameworks. 

The license will permit the approved entity to offer various satellite-based services including: 

  • Fixed earth stations
  • Fixed gateway earth stations
  • Fixed terminal earth stations
  • Associated terrestrial transmission facilities

However, within 18 months from the effective date of the license, the licensee must commence services and fulfil several financial obligations, including: 

  • Initial License Fee (ILF): A one-time payment of $500,000 
  • Annual License Fee (ALF): 0.5% of annual gross revenue from licensed services 
  • Universal Service Fund (USF) Contribution: 1.5% of annual gross revenue from licensed services 
  • Annual Radio Frequency Spectrum Fee: 0.5% of annual gross revenue from licensed services 

Additionally, the licensee must pay a one-time registration fee for infrastructure setup, ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 per station with no registration fees applied to fixed terminal earth stations. 

Notably, the license comes with certain limitations, excluding services like:

  • Terrestrial-only public switched networks
  • Exclusive reliance on terrestrial network elements
  • Satellite services on moving objects
  • Mobile Satellite Services (MSS)
  • Broadcasting or distribution of radio and television programmes 

PTA also noted that the licensee must comply with relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines, including the Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024 and directives from the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). 

Furthermore, the telecommunication authority has invited feedback on the proposed FSS License, with the last date for submission being February 14, 2025.