Islamabad, September 24, 2026: Pak Datacom Limited (PDL) has increased its satellite bandwidth utilization eightfold in one year to meet growing demand for reliable and high-capacity connectivity across Pakistan, with around 550 major government, financial and corporate institutions currently using its satellite services.
According to a company spokesperson, the rising demand has accelerated modernization of PDL’s satellite network through High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) technology, additional bandwidth and multiple satellite platforms.
Following the end-of-life and closure of PAKSAT-1R services, PDL shifted towards HTS technology as the required Standard-Ku Band capacity was not available on MM1. The company has also expanded its Yahsat arrangement, which has been in place since 2016.
The spokesperson said Yahsat services had been operational in Pakistan for several years under the applicable legal and regulatory framework. More than 4,000 Yahsat links, including over 1,000 government links, are currently operational in Pakistan through multiple service providers.
PDL has adopted a multi-band, multi-platform strategy covering C-Band, Ku-Band and Ka-Band. It uses HTS platforms, including Yahsat and Kacific, according to customer requirements, helping address limitations of legacy Ku infrastructure and provide more scalable connectivity.
The company’s satellite network incorporates VPNs, GRE tunnelling, firewalls, encryption, authentication and access controls to support secure connectivity between remote sites and customer networks.
PDL has also demonstrated its satellite capabilities in challenging locations, including providing connectivity for the world’s highest-altitude ATM at Khunjerab Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan. The ATM, located at approximately 15,396 feet, is recognized by Guinness World Records.
Beyond satellite connectivity, PDL is also expanding its fibre infrastructure following the acquisition of a Fixed Line License (FLL). The company has initiated work to expand fibre networks in key areas across Pakistan, supporting high-speed connectivity and creating direct and indirect employment opportunities.
The spokesperson said network modernization and infrastructure expansion were continuing under the oversight of the company’s Board of Directors and management, with a focus on secure, reliable and uninterrupted connectivity through satellite, fibre and other advanced telecommunications technologies.
