Pakistan is moving closer to launching satellite-based internet services, with authorities emphasizing national security, data protection, and strict regulatory control over global service providers operating in the country.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority is developing dedicated cybersecurity regulations for satellite communication services to ensure user data protection, secure infrastructure, and lawful oversight of all satellite internet providers.

The new framework will cover Low Earth Orbit satellite systems and other satellite-based services, aiming to safeguard national security, prevent cyber threats, and enforce compliance with local laws.

Officials said the proposed rules may require local data routing, secure storage of user information, lawful interception capabilities, and adherence to national cybercrime and data protection legislation.

Satellite operators could also be mandated to implement monitoring systems, share threat intelligence with authorities, and prevent network configurations that bypass regulatory and security controls within Pakistan.

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In September 2025, the PTA drafted a Fixed Satellite Services license, granting 15-year, non-exclusive, revocable authorization for satellite services, with specific fees, contributions, and operational requirements.

The draft license sets an initial fee of $500,000, annual license and spectrum fees of 0.5 percent each, a 1.5 percent Universal Service Fund contribution, and local gateway establishment within 18 months.

Strict provisions in the license cover national security, data privacy, and accountability, reflecting Pakistan’s focus on regulating satellite operators to protect sensitive infrastructure and citizen information.

Despite growing interest from global operators such as Starlink, satellite internet rollout has been delayed by incomplete space regulations, pending security clearances, and slow approvals from authorities.

Sources added that without finalized rules from the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board, coupled with security and institutional delays, the launch of satellite-based broadband services in Pakistan remains stalled.