ISLAMABAD: Pak Datacom Limited (PDL) has increased its satellite bandwidth utilization eightfold in just one year, reflecting the growing demand for reliable and high-capacity connectivity across Pakistan. The company is currently providing satellite connectivity to around 550 major government, financial and corporate institutions.According to the company Spokesman, the growing demand has accelerated modernization of its 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 further expanded its Yahsat arrangement, which has been in place since 2016.Spokesman said Yahsat services have 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 and multi-platform strategy covering C-Band, Ku-Band and Ka-Band, using HTS platforms including Yahsat and Kacific according to customer requirements.
The transition is also helping address the limitations of legacy Ku infrastructure and provide more scalable connectivity.The spokesperson said PDL’s satellite network incorporates VPNs, GRE tunnelling, firewalls, encryption, authentication and access controls to support secure connectivity from remote sites through the satellite network to customer networks.PDL has also demonstrated its satellite capabilities in challenging locations, including connectivity for the world’s highest-altitude ATM at Khunjerab Pass, Gilgit-Baltistan, located at approximately 15,396 feet and recognized by Guinness World Records.The spokesperson further said PDL is expanding beyond satellite connectivity.
Following acquisition of its Fixed Line License (FLL), the company has initiated work to expand its fibre infrastructure in key areas across Pakistan, supporting high-speed connectivity and creating new direct and indirect employment opportunities. The company said network modernization and infrastructure expansion are continuing under the oversight of its Board of Directors and management, with a focus on secure, reliable and uninterrupted connectivity through satellite, fibre and other advanced telecommunications technologies.
