Six satellite internet companies have registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). However, they are still waiting for regulatory approval before launching commercial services.
Four companies completed registration after the establishment of the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB). These include Aether One, Flanavotics, Galaxy Space, and SpaceP. Starlink and SpaceCell Pakistan have also registered as local companies.
The SECP has clarified that company registration does not allow businesses to offer satellite internet services. Instead, companies must meet security requirements and obtain the necessary regulatory approvals.
In a report submitted to the Senate Standing Committee, the SECP shared details of the registrations. The report followed a letter from committee chairman Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan.
According to the SECP, satellite internet companies must first obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from PSARB. So far, however, SpaceP is the only company to have submitted its PSARB NOC.
The approval process remains stalled due to pending security clearances from the Ministry of Interior. These clearances are required for foreign directors and shareholders of the companies.
Security approvals for Starlink, Galaxy Space, and SpaceCell Pakistan are still pending. As a result, these companies cannot move forward with their licensing process.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will issue licenses once the Ministry of Interior completes security checks. Companies must also obtain an NOC from PSARB before receiving approval.
Satellite internet services can only launch after all security clearances and regulatory requirements are completed. Until then, the six registered companies cannot commercially offer their services in Pakistan.
