Pakistan has introduced technical requirements for satellite communication equipment under the Telecommunication Equipment Standards Regulations, 2024, notified by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.

The rules cover maritime radio equipment, mobile satellite services, satellite earth stations and other devices used for satellite communications. They set technical requirements based on international standards developed by organizations such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).

The framework includes standards for very high frequency (VHF) maritime radio devices, mobile earth stations and satellite communication equipment operating across different frequency bands.

Applicants seeking a certificate of conformity must submit an application with the relevant technical standards and test reports from accredited laboratories. They must also provide a declaration of conformity, a bill of lading or airway bill, technical literature and end-to-end network connectivity diagrams. The authority can request additional documents where necessary.

Designated officers can inspect telecommunication equipment to check whether it meets the prescribed standards. Inspections may take place with or without prior notice, and officials can demand relevant documents and records.

The regulations also call for public awareness campaigns on technical standards. Licensees, importers and manufacturers must maintain records of their telecommunication equipment for the previous three years and provide them to the authority when requested.