Pakistan has approved a plan to allow internet and mobile services on flights, with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) drafting a formal in-flight satellite licence.
The telecom regulator has drafted a licence to formally allow satellite-based telecommunication services to be provided inside aircraft flying over the country.
The licence draft has been released for public consultation, giving stakeholders until 31 May to submit their formal proposals and recommendations to the PTA.
Under the licence, approved operators will be permitted to offer passengers both internet connectivity and mobile telecommunication services while travelling on aircraft.
Operating conditions
Mobile services on board will only be permitted once an aircraft has reached a minimum altitude of 3,000 metres above ground level during flight.
Each licence will be valid for ten years and can be renewed, but operators must obtain a formal certificate from the PTA before launching any service.
Once a licence is granted, the holder will be required to begin offering services within twelve months, with no extension provisions mentioned in the draft.
Data and infrastructure requirements
All data storage and processing operations linked to these services must be conducted within Pakistan, as mandated under the terms of the proposed licence.
Satellite operators providing these services will be required to register with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Body before beginning any commercial operations.
All international bandwidth used by licence holders must be sourced from operators holding a valid Long Distance and International licence issued within Pakistan.
Quality and security standards
The licence requires operators to ensure full privacy and security of user data, in line with existing national data protection and telecommunication regulations.
Use of any telecommunication equipment that has not received prior regulatory approval will be strictly prohibited under the conditions set out in the licence.
Operators must maintain service quality that meets internationally recognised standards, as specified by relevant global telecommunication bodies and technical benchmarks.
Regulatory and financial terms
Spectrum fees will not be charged at the time of licence issuance, though the PTA has reserved the right to revise this policy in future.
Any transfer of the licence to another party will require advance written approval from the PTA, and cannot proceed without that formal authorisation being granted.
If a licence holder violates any regulatory requirement, the PTA holds the authority to suspend or permanently revoke the licence without further notice given.
