Plans to launch satellite-based internet services in Pakistan have slowed due to regulatory and security concerns, despite strong interest from major global technology companies.

Officials say one of the main concerns is oversight. Existing internet services can be monitored or suspended during security situations, but authorities may face difficulties blocking satellite-based connectivity when needed. This has made regulation a key issue for policymakers.

US-based satellite internet provider Starlink has completed its technical preparations to launch services in Pakistan.

However, the regulatory framework required for such operations has not yet been finalised. Sources said satellite internet services cannot begin without a clear licensing and compliance system, even if companies are technically ready.

Currently, five companies are seeking licences to offer satellite-based internet services in Pakistan and have expressed plans to invest millions of dollars in the country. According to the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB), these companies include Starlink, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology Limited (SSST), OneWeb of the Eutelsat Group, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, and Canadian satellite operator Telesat.

PSARB officials said most of these firms have already completed significant preparatory work for launching their services. They also noted that Chinese companies currently have stronger market penetration in Pakistan compared to US firms and are actively moving into the satellite internet sector, where Starlink is considered a direct competitor.

Despite this progress, the registration and licensing process remains pending. PSARB officials said the board has yet to finalise the licensing regime.

While consultations with stakeholders have been completed, the government requires more time to introduce safety mechanisms before allowing satellite-based internet services to start operating in Pakistan.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has made it clear that incumbent mobile operators must place mandatory minimum bids in the very first round of the upcoming 5G spectrum auction or risk immediate disqualification.

In its responses issued during the consultation process, the regulator said failure to meet the minimum bidding threshold in Round 1 will lead to exclusion from the auction and full forfeiture of the pre-bid deposit. Any bidder that does not submit valid bids will be treated as having placed zero bids across all categories.

According to the clarification, incumbent operators are required to bid for at least five lots each in the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands during the first round of the allocation stage. Any bid submitted below this requirement will be declared invalid under the auction rules.

The authority also emphasized that these conditions relate only to minimum bidding obligations and do not guarantee spectrum allocation. Operators may end up securing fewer lots than bid for, depending on the level of competition during the auction process.

The regulator further explained that applicants are not required to declare their spectrum demand at the time of submitting applications. The application and pre bid deposit only signal a commitment to comply with the minimum bidding requirement in the first allocation round, not a claim over a specific quantity of spectrum.

The clarification from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority comes as the country prepares for its first 5G auction, with strict rules aimed at ensuring serious participation from existing operators.

OpenAI is preparing to launch its first hardware product, according to a Chinese tipster on Weibo. The report claims the company is developing a pair of AI-powered earbuds that will use OpenAI’s own artificial intelligence model.

The product would represent OpenAI’s entry into the consumer hardware market.

Alternative Products

Earlier reports suggested OpenAI was working on alternative hardware designs, including a small pendant or pen-like device. These concepts aligned with comments from OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman, who said the device would be more “peaceful and calm” than a smartphone.

OpenAI’s hardware plans also drew attention after the company hired former Apple chief designer Jony Ive.

However, the latest report suggests OpenAI has adjusted its strategy and chosen to develop earbuds instead, likely due to rising hardware development costs.

Launch Date

The earbuds are expected to be called “Dime,” according to the tipster. The report stated that the product could be launched by the end of this year.

Further details about the earbuds’ features or specifications were not provided.

Advanced Version Planned

The report added that OpenAI plans to introduce a more advanced version of the product once supply conditions improve, specifically after the shortage of high-bandwidth memory eases.

High-bandwidth memory is used in artificial intelligence systems to support high-speed data processing.