\n\tISLAMABAD: In a key development for Pakistan\u2019s information technology (IT) and communication sector, Amazon\u2019s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite initiative, Project Kuiper, plans to launch satellite broadband services in the country by the end of 2026, the Ministry of IT said on Thursday.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe company\u2019s satellite broadband venture will not be the first of its kind in Pakistan, as limited connectivity already exists through the country\u2019s space agency SUPARCO\u2019s PakSat-1R and a few private providers serving remote areas.<\/p>\n
\n\tOnce operational, Kuiper will be among the first large-scale global LEO satellite networks to enter Pakistan, promising faster speeds, wider coverage, and more affordable access compared to existing services.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cAmazon\u2019s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite initiative, Project Kuiper, shared its plans to launch satellite broadband services in Pakistan by the end of 2026,\u201d the IT ministry said in a statement, adding this significant development in country\u2019s digital landscape followed a strategic meeting between the Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and a delegation from Amazon\u2019s Project Kuiper.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe statement said the project, which represents a multi-billion-dollar global investment, was designed to expand high-speed Internet access worldwide, particularly in underserved and remote areas.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cProject Kuiper\u2019s entry into Pakistan is a step forward in advancing digital inclusion and strengthening our connectivity ecosystem,\u201d Khawaja was quoted in the statement.<\/p>\n
\n\tShe emphasized that these investments align with the government\u2019s vision of building a Digital Nation Pakistan where every citizen, regardless of geography, has access to fast, affordable and secure Internet services.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe IT ministry said the Kuiper team expressed its intent to establish ground infrastructure in Pakistan, including gateways and points of presence, to support reliable connectivity and seamless integration with the country\u2019s digital ecosystem.<\/p>\n
\n\tWith a constellation of up to 3,236 satellites, Project Kuiper aims to deliver high-performance broadband, offering speeds up to 400 Mbps through affordable terminals, the statement added.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cThe collaboration is expected to create new opportunities for Pakistan\u2019s IT sector by enhancing connectivity, supporting innovation and bridging the digital divide,\u201d the ministry said.<\/p>\n
\n\tIndustry professionals and stakeholders welcomed the announcement, saying the project will enhance connectivity, boost freelancing and support growth in the country\u2019s IT and digital export sectors.<\/p>\n