PTA Plans Rs. 1,000 e-SIMs & Starlink Satellite Internet in Pakistan

Quick Answer

The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, chaired by Senator Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan, reviewed key telecom policies including e-SIM pricing, mobile taxation, and satellite internet licensing. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is working with mobile operators to reduce e-SIM charges from around Rs. 2,000 to between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 1,500 while preparing a framework for satellite internet licensing in Pakistan.

The authority also highlighted the potential role of satellite internet providers, including Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon’s satellite internet initiatives, after completing the required regulatory process.

Quick Highlights:

PTA plans to reduce e-SIM charges from around Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 1,000–1,500.

Users can transfer their e-SIM profile to another compatible device up to 10 times without additional charges.

PTA highlighted that high smartphone taxes could create challenges for wider 5G adoption.

Pakistan’s local mobile manufacturing industry produces around 25 million phones annually.

Satellite internet licensing framework has been submitted to the Ministry of IT.

Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon may enter Pakistan after regulatory approval.

Key Updates

PTA Plans to Reduce e-SIM Prices in Pakistan

The PTA is working with telecom operators to make e-SIM technology more affordable for Pakistani users. Currently, e-SIM activation or conversion charges in Pakistan are around Rs. 2,000, which can discourage some customers from adopting the technology.

As more smartphones now support e-SIM features, lowering these charges could help increase adoption among users who want a more convenient digital SIM experience.

PTA Targets Lower e-SIM Charges Between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 1,500

The regulator is negotiating with mobile network operators to reduce e-SIM charges to between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 1,500.

The expected price reduction could make e-SIM technology. accessible to more consumers, especially users purchasing modern smartphones that support embedded SIM functionality.

Lower pricing may benefit:

• Smartphone users upgrading to newer devices

• Customers who prefer digital SIM solutions

• Business users managing multiple devices

• Travelers requiring flexible connectivity options

Free e-SIM Transfers Will Continue

PTA allows users to transfer their e-SIM profile to another compatible device up to 10 times without additional charges.

This policy provides flexibility for customers who frequently change smartphones. However, users may still need to complete verification steps according to their mobile operator’s security process.

PTA Expects Lower Prices as Demand Grows

The authority expects e-SIM prices to decrease further as consumer demand increases and more users become familiar with the technology.

The wider adoption of e-SIM services could support Pakistan’s transition toward modern telecom infrastructure, especially as smartphone manufacturers continue increasing e-SIM support in newer models.

PTA Warns High Mobile Taxes Could Slow 5G Rollout

The committee also discussed challenges related to Pakistan’s upcoming 5G expansion. The authority explained that PTA does not control mobile phone taxation, as these decisions fall under the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

The briefing highlighted concerns that high smartphone taxes could create challenges for consumers looking to purchase 5G-compatible devices.

FBR Responsible for Mobile Phone Taxes

The PTA clarified that mobile phone taxation policies are managed by the FBR, while PTA focuses on telecom regulation and service development.

Pakistan’s local mobile manufacturing industry produces around 25 million phones annually. However, premium smartphones from brands such as Apple and Samsung are among the devices most affected by import-related taxes, which can increase the cost of 5G-capable phones for consumers.

PTA Says High Taxes Could Affect 5G Adoption

The authority noted that affordable access to 5G-compatible smartphones will play an important role in wider 5G adoption.

Key factors affecting 5G growth include:

• Availability of affordable 5G smartphones

• Competitive device pricing

• Improved network coverage

• Consumer access to new technology

PTA Advances Satellite Internet Plans

The committee reviewed Pakistan’s plans to introduce satellite internet services, with the regulator highlighting satellite connectivity as an important solution for improving internet access in underserved areas.

PTA has completed the initial framework for satellite internet licensing and submitted it to the Ministry of IT.

Remote Areas Remain a Priority

Many remote areas of Pakistan still face connectivity challenges due to geographical limitations and infrastructure costs.

Satellite internet could provide an alternative solution for:

• Rural communities

• Educational institutions

• Businesses operating in remote locations

• Areas with limited broadband availability

Nepal Highlighted as a Successful Example

During the meeting, the PTA Chairman cited Nepal as an example where satellite internet licensing has already progressed.

The example highlights how satellite connectivity can become part of a country’s broader strategy to improve internet access.

Framework Submitted to the Ministry of IT

PTA has completed the initial framework for satellite internet licensing and submitted it to the Ministry of IT.

Before commercial operations begin, satellite internet providers will need to complete regulatory requirements, including registration with the Space Activities Regulatory Board.

Starlink, OneWeb and Amazon Await Regulatory Approval

Pakistan could see new competition in the satellite internet sector if these providers receive regulatory approval.

The authority mentioned Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon’s satellite internet initiatives as potential providers that could operate in Pakistan after completing the necessary approval process.

Registration Required Before Licensing

Satellite internet companies must first complete registration with the Space Activities Regulatory Board before receiving operational approval.

The process ensures providers meet Pakistan’s technical and regulatory requirements.

PTA to Issue Licenses After Approval

After successful registration and regulatory clearance, PTA will issue licenses allowing companies to provide satellite internet services in Pakistan.

If approved, these services could improve connectivity options for remote regions and provide new solutions for businesses and communities that remain outside traditional network coverage.

Source: PTA Pushes for Rs. 1,000 e-SIMs