By Kalbe Ali
ISLAMABAD: The launch of satellite-based internet services in the country has been delayed as authorities look to invite more players into the field and formulate stricter regulations for foreign satellite operators, following the recent India-Pakistan and Iran-Israel conflicts.
Following the expiration of the temporary no-objection certificate (NOC) for Starlink in March, all foreign satellite operators are now required to submit new applications under the newly drafted Satellite Communications Regula颅tions.
These regulations are being finalised by the Pak颅is颅tan Space Activities Reg颅ulatory Board (PSARB), based on industry feedback gathered during a recent roundtable discussion.
In addition to Starlink, two other Low Earth Orbit (LEO) operators, OneWeb and Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), have expressed interest in starting operations in Pakistan.
Once registered under the new regulations, satellite internet providers will need to obtain operational licences from the Pakistan Telecommu