Regulatory Consultation: Draft License for In-flight Telecommunication Satellite (ITS) Services in Pakistan
Regulatory Body
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a draft framework and license template for the provision of In-Flight Telecommunication Satellite (ITS) services within the airspace of Pakistan.
Proposed Regulatory Changes
The PTA proposes a new non-exclusive licensing category specifically for In-Flight Telecommunication Satellite (ITS) services. This license authorizes providers to establish and operate In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) systems to offer the following services to passengers on foreign and domestic airlines:
On-board Internet (Broadband): Providing data connectivity via satellite.
On-board Cellular Mobile Services: Restricted to aircraft flying at a minimum height of 3,000 meters above ground level (AGL).
Impact on Manufacturers and Stakeholders
The proposed framework introduces several critical requirements for device manufacturers, type approval service companies, and service providers:
Type Approval: All terminal equipment to be installed or connected to the licensed system must receive formal type approval from the PTA. Equipment must comply with the Telecom Equipment Standard Regulations.
International Standards: Deployed hardware must conform to standards recognized by the Authority, specifically those from the ITU, IEC, and EN/ETSI.
Infrastructure Restrictions: Licensed systems must utilize a fixed satellite gateway earth station located within the territorial boundaries of Pakistan.
Data Residency: All user data generated, stored, or processed must remain within Pakistan, and all traffic must be routed through locally installed gateways.
Lawful Interception (LI): Licensees must provide, maintain, and upgrade monitoring facilities at their own cost as designated by the Authority.
Technical Parameters and Radio Frequency Management
The draft license outlines specific technical and frequency-related constraints:
Frequency Allocation: Use of the radio frequency spectrum is governed by the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) and the National Frequency Allocation Table.
Interference Management: Licensees are required to use the Satellite Interference Reporting and Resolution System (SIRRS) or other ITU-recognized applications for reporting international harmful interference.
Space Segment: Satellite operators and space segments must be registered with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) under the Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024.
Interconnection: Providers must ensure interconnection with licensed Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) in Pakistan and acquire international IP bandwidth from local Long Distance and International (LDI) licensees.
Fees and License Term
Initial License Fee (ILF): A one-time fee of USD 10,000 (or PKR equivalent).
License Validity: The license is valid for a period of ten (10) years, with options for renewal.
Feedback and Deadlines
Stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft terms and conditions. While specific deadlines for this particular template are typically outlined in the accompanying PTA public notice, industry participants are generally required to submit comments through the PTA’s official consultation portal within the timeframe specified in the public call for comments.
