ISLAMABAD

Pakistan is moving closer to opening its broadband market to global satellite internet providers, with companies including Starlink and Amazon Leo, formerly known as Project Kuiper, looking to expand connectivity to underserved areas.

The development comes as the government works to finalise a regulatory framework for satellite-based internet services, potentially paving the way for low-Earth-orbit satellite networks to complement Pakistan’s existing fibre and mobile infrastructure.

Satellite Internet Targets Rural Connectivity

Satellite broadband could play a significant role in connecting communities where laying fibre or expanding terrestrial mobile networks is difficult or commercially expensive.

For Pakistan, the technology could provide an alternative for remote and underserved regions, while also supporting businesses, public institutions and telecom operators that require reliable connectivity and network backup.

The government has said its satellite communications framework is nearing completion, with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) responsible for the space-related regulatory framework and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) expected to oversee telecom licensing.

Starlink Leads Growing International Interest

SpaceX’s Starlink is among the companies seeking access to Pakistan’s market. Other operators including OneWeb, Shanghai Spacecom and Sateliot have also expressed interest, according to a written response by Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja submitted to the Senate.

Starlink has already completed registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, while interested operators are expected to meet further regulatory, licensing and spectrum requirements before commercial services can begin.

Amazon Leo Adds Competition

Amazon’s satellite network, previously known as Project Kuiper and now branded Amazon Leo, is also targeting underserved communities with low-Earth-orbit broadband connectivity. Amazon says its network is designed to provide fast and reliable internet beyond the reach of conventional networks.

The arrival of multiple providers could introduce greater competition into Pakistan’s broadband market, potentially giving consumers and businesses more connectivity options.

However, expressions of interest do not mean immediate commercial availability. Operators will still need to complete Pakistan’s registration, licensing, spectrum and security requirements before launching services.

A Potential Shift for Pakistan’s Digital Divide

If approved operators begin commercial deployment, satellite internet could become particularly important for Pakistan’s rural and geographically difficult regions, where conventional broadband infrastructure remains limited.

The government’s regulatory push therefore marks an important step toward expanding Pakistan’s digital connectivity — with Starlink, Amazon Leo and other satellite operators potentially bringing internet access from space to areas that terrestrial networks have struggled to reach.