PTA to issue licenses for fixed satellite services

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announces the long-awaited award of Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) licenses in Pakistan, which aims to bring about improvements in Pakistan’s satellite communication network, with a draft policy document issued for consultation.

The draft stipulates that the licenses will be valid for 15 years. The licensee will be required to provide services within two years of obtaining an FSS license. The start-up cost of obtaining an FSS license is prescribed at $500,000, which is a sizeable investment, indeed.

The license will facilitate the setting up of fixed earth stations, fixed gateway earth stations, and fixed terminal earth stations; however, services will be conducted solely through registered satellite operators.

Access to the public switched terrestrial networks and mobile satellite services is also going to be provided with the license but with certain limitations concerning radio and television broadcasts and satellite-based services for ships, aircraft, and vehicles.

In addition to operational guidelines, the draft demands strict adherence to the PTA Act, Rules, and the Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024. The licensee shall further be required to build very good data protection measures and maintain transparent billing systems to protect the consumer interest.

This, therefore, is a step towards creating a better satellite communication infrastructure in the country, and it also affords some degree of transparency and accountability in the industry.

The PTA has invited the input of its stakeholders, industry experts, and the public on the draft, and all such suggestions and concerns have to be submitted by February 14 as a form of public consultation.

This is a great opportunity for the people and the organization to present their opinions and help influence the development of the satellite communication sector in Pakistan. The issuing of licenses for FSS is aimed at spurring the growth of telecommunication in the country and consequently enhancing improvement in service delivery.