PTA grilled over ‘delay’ in licences for two firms

The National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom was informed on Tuesday that two companies have applied to provide satellite internet services in Pakistan, and the relevant space regulator is examining their requests. Briefing the committee, Pakistan Telecom Authority Chairman retired Maj Gen Hafeezur Rehman said that Starlink had applied for an operating licence in 2022, while Shanghai Space Technology also applied for this service in 2024. Responding to the query by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, the PTA chief said both companies’ cases were with the Pakistan Space Activities and Research Board. Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary on IT & Telecom Sabin Ghauri said that the matter was in its final stages and the operating licences will be issued in six months.