The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has decided to grant a license for the provision of Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) in Pakistan, excluding Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The license is non-exclusive and will allow the establishment of Fixed Earth Stations, Fixed Gateway Earth Stations, and Fixed Terminal Earth Stations, along with necessary terrestrial transmission facilities for public network connectivity. However, the service can only be provided through a registered satellite operator.
The consultation paper on the draft license for Fixed Satellite Services outlines several prohibitions, including the operation of a public switched terrestrial network, mobile satellite services, radio and TV broadcasting, and satellite-based services for moving objects such as vessels, aircraft, and vehicles. The licensee must also adhere to strict regulatory compliance, following the Pakistan Telecommunication Act, Rules, and Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024. All network infrastructure must be registered with the PTA before service deployment.
According to the document, the duration of the license is set for 15 years, with a renewal option available if the licensee submits a request at least 24 months before its expiration. However, renewal is not guaranteed, as PTA reserves the right to deny it based on any violations of regulatory requirements. The licensee is required to commence operations within 18 months of receiving the license to ensure timely rollout of services.
Financial obligations for the licensee include an initial license fee of $500,000, an annual license fee of 0.5% of gross revenue, a 1.5% contribution to the Universal Service Fund (USF), and additional annual spectrum fees and station registration charges. The licensee must also comply with national security regulations, which mandate data retention, lawful interception, and cybersecurity measures. The transfer of user data or provision of remote access outside Pakistan is strictly prohibited.
According to the document, quality of service (QoS) standards must be maintained according to PTA regulations, with the licensee required to submit quarterly performance reports. Customer rights and privacy protections must be ensured, including confidentiality of user data and a transparent billing system with a dispute resolution mechanism. PTA retains the authority to regulate tariffs if it finds that pricing is unfair or unreasonable.
According to PTA regulations, the licensee is required to submit quarterly performance reports. Customer rights and privacy protections must be ensured, including confidentiality of user data and a transparent billing system with a dispute resolution mechanism. PTA retains the authority to regulate tariffs if it finds that pricing is unfair or unreasonable.
To finalize the regulatory framework, PTA has initiated a public consultation process on the draft Fixed Satellite Services license. The draft document is available on the PTA website, and stakeholders are invited to submit their feedback via email at satellite-lic@pta.gov.pk by February 14, 2025.
This process aims to enhance transparency and incorporate industry perspectives before the formal issuance of the license. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate and provide insights to help shape the future of satellite services in Pakistan.
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