Kacific Broadband Satellites Group (Kacific) and PAKSAT are partnering to expand high-speed, affordable satellite internet across Pakistan, where over 54% of the population lacks reliable broadband. Leveraging 11 Ka-band spot beams on the Paksat MM1 satellite, this partnership will bridge the digital divide and support the country’s growing connectivity needs. With high-throughput capacity for over 20,000 sites, the collaboration will provide essential broadband access for communities, businesses, government agencies, ISPs, and telcos, enabling mobile backhaul and backup connectivity in remote regions.
A Commitment to Nationwide Connectivity
“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,” said Muhammad Yousuf Khan, Chairman of SUPARCO. The partnership between PAKSAT and Kacific will certainly bridge the digital divide in Pakistan and will empower countless communities.
“Improving Pakistan’s connectivity will have a positive impact on the country’s economy and its communities,” said Dr Shahid Rasheed, CEO of PAKSAT. “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.”
“With this partnership, Kacific is making a long-term investment in Pakistan’s digital future,” said Christian Patouraux, CEO of Kacific. “We’re expanding ISP partnerships, training KAD installers, and deploying essential infrastructure to meet the country’s growing connectivity needs.”
Urgent Connectivity Challenges in Pakistan
Pakistan’s broadband demand is increasing with every passing year, yet over 131.8 million people remain offline. Fiber penetration is extremely low, with fiber-to-the-home access under 5%. Only 15% of the country’s 55,000 cell towers are fibre-connected, compared to the 40% international benchmark. Kacific’s high-speed satellite service will significantly enhance Pakistan’s mobile backhaul capabilities, bypassing infrastructure limitations at a fraction of fibre’s cost.
Unlocking the Potential of Paksat-MM1
Launched in May 2024, Paksat-MM1 delivers 99% availability with seamless nationwide coverage. Gateway beams over Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad provide real-time monitored connectivity, backed by 24/7 support from Kacific.
Following the launch of Paksat-MM1, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called it a “momentous occasion,” highlighting its role in revolutionizing Pakistan’s digital landscape. Minister of State for IT & Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to digital inclusion, emphasizing the satellite’s potential to enhance connectivity, especially in remote areas.
Strategic Partnerships Driving Pakistan’s Digital Transformation
Kacific is working alongside strategic partners to ensure reliable, cost-effective connectivity:
• Paksat International (Pvt) Limited (PAKSAT): The private limited company markets the satellite capacity of National Communication Satellites, including PakSat-MM1, a high-power multi-mission satellite which provides communication services in Ka, Ku, C and other bands.
• SUPARCO (Pakistan’s Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission): Pakistan’s national space agency, ensuring seamless satellite operations.
Complementing our strategic partners, Kacific brings a proven, scalable broadband model, delivering high-speed connectivity across 25 countries. With experience in large-scale VSAT deployment, rural network infrastructure, and disaster response, Kacific has connected over 500,000 users. Kacific also provides end-to-end support, from satellite payload operations to network management, ensuring seamless and affordable broadband expansion in Pakistan.
Scalable, Affordable Internet for Pakistan
Kacific introduces its Gigstarter plans, which offer unlimited data and easy, low-cost installation for both residential and business users. Kacific will offer three plans for the consumer market: an entry-level 30/20 Mbps plan and two with higher speeds and bigger priority data quotas: 60/20 and 100/20 Mbps. These plans are billed per site monthly, providing cost-effective solutions for diverse connectivity needs. Kacific will sell the services in Pakistan via Operators registered with the regulatory bodies. In addition, Kacific intends to train and certify hundreds of Kacific Authorized Distributors to install, resell, and maintain sites across Pakistan, fostering community engagement and economic growth.
A New Era of Digital Empowerment for Pakistan
By combining Kacific’s global expertise with PAKSAT’s national assets, this partnership is set to transform Pakistan’s digital landscape. It will empower communities, drive innovation, and unlock new economic opportunities, ensuring that even the most remote regions can thrive in the digital age.
