ISLAMABAD, Jan 24: Pakistan’s first communication satellite, PAKSAT-1, formally begins its operations Saturday, marking the country’s entry into the space age.

The satellite will provide commercial services such as Internet backbone, remote Internet access, business communication, broadcast services and thin route telephony.

“PAKSAT-I is only the first step in Pakistan’s long journey to develop and fully utilize the potential of space technology,” the COMSTECH said Friday.

The inauguration ceremony of PAKSAT-I project is being organized by the Organization of Islamic Conference Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH).

“With this Pakistan has finally entered the space age,” the COMSTECH said.

To start with, the Satellite is being used for distant learning purposes. The president will formally inaugurate the operations of PAKSAT-I.

The ceremony will be shown live on PTV World using the same satellite that is PAKSAT-I.

The launching of PAKSAT-I is considered one of the achievements of the government of Gen Pervez Musharraf. In fact, five slots were allocated to Pakistan which could not be exploited by the successive governments.

The last of primary slots at 38 degree East was due to expire on April 19, 2003. If this slot was not protected by the government of Pakistan by bringing in a satellite and placing it there, this strategic asset and future opportunity to enter the space would have been lost for foreseeable future.