Kacific & PAKSAT partner to enhance Pakistan's connectivity

Kacific Broadband Satellites Group and PAKSAT have announced a partnership aimed at expanding high-speed, affordable satellite internet access across Pakistan.

The collaborative effort will utilise 11 Ka-band spot beams on the Paksat MM1 satellite to address the digital divide in Pakistan, where over half the population lacks reliable broadband connectivity.

The initiative is designed to provide essential broadband access for a variety of users, including communities, businesses, government agencies, internet service providers, and telecommunications companies, with capabilities for mobile backhaul and backup in remote regions.

Muhammad Yousuf Khan, Chairman of SUPARCO, stated, "SUPARCO's story is one of unwavering ambition. Since its inception, we have been driven by a vision to propel Pakistan's journey into the cosmos." He added that the new partnership would bridge the digital divide and empower numerous communities across the country.

Dr Shahid Rasheed, CEO of PAKSAT, commented, "Improving Pakistan's connectivity will have a positive impact on the country's economy and its communities. The people of Pakistan, like those of other developed countries, can expect to enjoy fast, affordable internet wherever they live and work. That's a goal that PAKSAT is striving to achieve day and night."

Christian Patouraux, CEO of Kacific, noted, "With this partnership, Kacific is making a long-term investment in Pakistan's digital future. We're expanding ISP partnerships, training KAD installers, and deploying essential infrastructure to meet the country's growing connectivity needs."

Pakistan faces significant connectivity challenges, with fibre penetration under 5% and only 15% of the country's 55,000 cell towers fibre-connected. The high-speed satellite service offered by Kacific is expected to enhance mobile backhaul capabilities efficiently and cost-effectively.

Paksat-MM1, launched in May 2024, claims 99% availability and offers monitored connectivity through gateway beams over major cities such as Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, supported by Kacific's Operations Center in Singapore.

Following the satellite's launch, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described it as a "momentous occasion," while Minister of State for IT & Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, emphasised the government's commitment to digital inclusion and the satellite's potential to improve connectivity, particularly in remote areas.

Kacific's strategic partnerships, including those with Paksat International and SUPARCO, aim to ensure reliable and economically viable connectivity. The collaboration with Paksat focuses on maximising the utility of the high-power Paksat-MM1 to deliver communication services across multiple frequency bands.

To address connectivity needs in Pakistan, Kacific introduces its Gigstarter plans, which include unlimited data and affordable installation options for residential and business users. The plans feature options for various speed and data quotas and are sold via operators registered with local regulatory bodies.

As part of this endeavour, Kacific plans to train and certify numerous Kacific Authorized Distributors to manage installations and site maintenance, thereby fostering community engagement and economic growth.

The joint efforts between Kacific and PAKSAT are set to reshape Pakistan's digital landscape by harnessing Kacific's satellite technology and PAKSAT's infrastructure to improve nationwide internet access and spur economic development.