Islamabad:
The caretaker government has approved the National Space Policy to allow private sector companies to use low-orbit satellites in space to launch satellite communication services for humans.
The government has estimated an annual economic loss of $40 million to the country due to the uncontrolled space sector where 70% of resources remain unused. Starlink may be the first company to launch low-orbit satellite services for satellite communications, which already has a network of 3,000 to 4,000 low-orbit satellites in space.
Speaking to a select group of reporters on Thursday, Caretaker Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Umar Saif said that all international companies will be allowed to launch satellite communication services in Pakistan after receiving a no-objection certificate from the Ministry of Defence.
To promote the initiative, the private sector will contribute 6% of its revenue to the government’s Research and Development (R&D) Fund.
The minister said that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) would issue licenses to the concerned private individuals for satellite communication services.
He added that Pakistanis, especially those living in remote areas where fiber optic cable network is not available, will be able to use low-orbit satellite services for communications. “The cabinet has already approved the policy.”
According to sources, the cabinet was briefed in a recent meeting that the National Space Policy was vital for the full utilization of space potential as the policy would provide the necessary framework for responsible and profitable space activities, promote economic sustainability and enhance global position of the country.
The cabinet was informed that Pakistan did not have such a policy, which adversely affected the development of its space sector. Also, due to the uncontrolled space sector, 70% of the resources remained unused, leading to an estimated economic loss of 40 million dollars per year.
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The cabinet was informed that for the space sector, Pakistan lacked a clear strategic direction, commercialization guidelines and mechanisms for public-private partnerships and joint ventures. As a result, national projects are heavily dependent on foreign loans, putting a heavy burden on the national treasury.
It was pointed out that the National Space Policy was painstakingly and meticulously designed to create a comprehensive guidance framework after consultation with all key stakeholders including the Ministry of IT, PTA, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) and the Frequency Allocation Board ( FAB). ).
A member of the cabinet pointed out that the policy envisaged obtaining maximum benefits from space technology and applications, covering the entire spectrum of space activities, including civil and commercial use as well as national security.
He explained that during the formulation of the policy, a number of issues had emerged that needed well-informed solutions and the way forward.
Concerns have been raised about Suparco’s scope and how its interests are protected. In response, it was clarified that the policy stipulated that the private sector would contribute a percentage of its revenue to the government’s R&D Fund.
Another cabinet member stressed that “as the venue is a sensitive issue, permissions must be obtained from all the players and bodies involved.”
One member was of the view that from a policy point of view, the same entity should not be both a regulator and a service provider, as this was a conflict of interest.
The Cabinet expressed satisfaction over the policy settlement and approved the proposal with due consideration.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 5u2024.
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