Pakistan may soon witness a new wave of competition in its internet market as Amazon’s Project Kuiper has shown interest in launching satellite broadband services in the country. The move comes shortly after Elon Musk’s Starlink initiated similar talks with Islamabad.
According to officials, representatives of Amazon Kuiper discussed potential investment opportunities and were briefed about Pakistan’s registration process and legal requirements. Kuiper has already placed over 100 satellites into orbit and signed its first deal in Australia, but the company is yet to begin commercial operations anywhere. If it enters Pakistan, experts say it could bring high-speed internet to far-flung and underserved areas.
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The arrival of Kuiper would add to a growing list of satellite internet providers exploring Pakistan’s market. Starlink, two Chinese firms, Shanghai Telecom and Telco Integrated, and international operator OneWeb have all approached local authorities with plans. Experts believe the presence of multiple players could improve access, speed, and reliability for millions of users.
To prepare for this new sector, Pakistan’s regulators are working on a legal framework. The Pakistan Space Activity Regulatory Board (PSARB) has already submitted draft rules and licensing conditions, which are under review by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The framework will determine how companies like Kuiper and Starlink can operate in the country.
Starlink, meanwhile, has faced delays. Its temporary registration with PSARB, granted in March, expired in July, halting its licensing process. Despite the setback, the government has pushed for faster completion of regulations to encourage satellite internet investment.
If approved, Pakistan could soon see multiple international firms competing to provide satellite broadband, marking a major step toward digital growth and nationwide connectivity.
