Pakistan Launches PakSat-MM1: A New Era in Satellite-Based Broadband Internet
Pakistan has made a significant stride in its space program with the successful launch of PakSat-MM1, the country’s first multi-mission satellite. This landmark achievement positions Pakistan in the competitive arena of satellite-based broadband services, potentially rivaling innovations like Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Minister of State for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima, announced this milestone alongside Pakistan’s inaugural National Space Policy. She highlighted the crucial role of PakSat-MM1 in transforming connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved regions of the country.
Fatima pointed out that the satellite addresses the longstanding challenge of internet access in rural areas where traditional infrastructure development has struggled. She expressed optimism about how this technology could enhance vital sectors like education and healthcare through improved digital access.
SUPARCO Chairman Yusuf Khan and PakSat CEO Khalid Rashid praised the satellite’s capabilities, noting that PakSat-MM1 will provide a wide range of services, including broadband internet, telecommunications, and data transfer. They also emphasized the satellite’s potential to significantly boost internet speeds nationwide and offer 5G coverage, tackling the high costs and logistical hurdles of traditional telecom infrastructure in hard-to-reach areas.
In a bold forecast, Khan and Rashid suggested that effective utilization of PakSat-MM1 could increase Pakistan’s GDP by as much as 2.5%, marking a transformative moment for the nation’s digital landscape.
