Satellite Internet Seen as Key to Expanding Pakistan’s ICT Exports

Satellite internet is becoming essential for Pakistan to expand its information and communication technology exports beyond $10 billion, Mian Zahid Hussain has said.

Mian Zahid Hussain is President of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum and All Karachi Industrial Alliance.

He is also Chairman of National Business Group Pakistan and the FPCCI Policy Advisory Board.

The former provincial minister for information technology urged the government to finalise satellite internet regulations.

He also called for a transparent licensing system with clear timelines.

ICT Exports Show Strong Growth

Hussain said reliable high-speed internet is now vital for exports, investment, education and healthcare.

Pakistan’s telecommunications, computer and information services exports reached $4.6 billion in FY2025–26.

The figure represents growth of about 21 percent from $3.8 billion a year earlier.

Meanwhile, July 2026 receipts rose by around 18 percent.

They reached $417 million compared with $354 million in July 2025.

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According to Hussain, the figures show significant potential for Pakistani IT companies and freelancers.

They also highlight opportunities for educated young people to earn foreign exchange.

Connectivity Problems Threaten Businesses

Hussain said reliable internet is necessary to maintain this growth.

Slow internet and connectivity disruptions can affect international business meetings.

They can also delay software delivery and disrupt e-commerce.

Cloud services and digital transactions can face similar problems.

As a result, businesses may miss deadlines.

Repeated disruptions can also damage their reputation among international clients.

Hussain pointed to the July 2026 fault in the SEA-ME-WE 5 submarine cable.

He said the incident highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to connectivity failures.

Urban-Rural Digital Divide

Hussain also highlighted the country’s digital access gap.

Internet usage among people aged 10 and above stands at 57 percent nationally.

The figure rises to 69 percent in urban areas.

However, it falls to 49 percent in rural areas.

Household internet access stands at 70 percent nationwide.

It is 82 percent in cities but only 61 percent in rural areas.

Hussain said wider access must also lead to productive use.

People should be encouraged to use the internet for education and business.

Freelancing and other income-generating activities should also receive greater attention.

Satellite Internet Can Strengthen Connectivity

Hussain said satellite internet should complement existing connectivity networks.

These include submarine cables, terrestrial networks and fibre-optic systems.

He said satellite broadband could provide an additional connection during infrastructure failures.

It could also serve remote areas where fibre deployment is difficult or commercially unviable.

However, he stressed that reliable electricity remains equally important.

The government and service providers should also keep consumers informed about restoration efforts.

Moreover, Pakistan should diversify its international connectivity routes.

Opportunities Beyond the IT Sector

Reliable internet can benefit sectors beyond technology.

Hussain said industry, agriculture and mining could improve their operations through better connectivity.

Tourism and educational institutions could also benefit.

Healthcare facilities could use reliable internet to improve services.

Young people could access freelancing and online education from smaller cities and rural areas.

They would not necessarily need to relocate for better connectivity.

AI Could Transform Healthcare

Hussain said artificial intelligence has increased the importance of digital connectivity.

AI is already contributing to early disease detection and clinical care.

It is also supporting medical research.

Connected healthcare facilities can share scans and medical images with specialists.

Doctors can also seek expert opinions through secure digital systems.

Hussain cited teledermatology as an example.

NHS England reported teledermatology use in 41 percent of skin-cancer referrals during the final quarter of FY2024–25.

He said Pakistan could develop similar links with advanced international hospitals.

Such connections could allow specialist supervision for healthcare facilities in underserved areas.

Online consultations could also reduce travel costs for patients.

Treatment planning and remote follow-up could become more accessible.

However, he stressed the need to protect clinical oversight and patient privacy.

Government Urged to Launch Pilot Projects

Hussain called for coordination among authorities responsible for satellite internet approvals.

He also urged transparent and competitive opportunities for qualified operators.

Equipment duties and recurring charges should be reviewed, he said.

Affordable satellite terminals could help smaller businesses access markets.

Shared connectivity arrangements could also improve access for communities.

Hussain recommended pilot projects in less-developed districts.

Industrial centres should also be considered.

Urban and rural healthcare facilities could form another priority area.

Pakistan, he said, must develop digital infrastructure that provides dependable connectivity.

Such investment can strengthen productive activity and create employment.

It can also improve access to education, healthcare and public services.