Satellite internet competition intensifies in Pakistan as six companies, including starlink, await regulatory and security clearances

Interest among international satellite internet companies in entering Pakistan's telecommunications market is gaining momentum,

ISLAMABAD:  Interest among international satellite internet companies in entering Pakistan’s telecommunications market is gaining momentum, with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) confirming the registration of six companies, including Elon Musk-owned Starlink, as regulatory and security approvals remain pending.

According to official documents submitted by the SECP to the Senate Standing Committee and the Cabinet Division, six companies have so far been incorporated in Pakistan with business interests linked to satellite-based internet and space-related services.

The registered companies include:

1. Aether One (SMC-Private) Limited
2. Flynautix (Private) Limited
3. Galaxyspace Pakistan (SMC-Private) Limited
4. Space P (Private) Limited, a subsidiary of the National Command Authority (NCA).
5. Starlink Internet Services (Private) Limited
6. Spacesail Pakistan (Private) Limited

The registrations indicate growing interest in Pakistan’s emerging satellite communications market, where international operators are exploring opportunities to introduce alternative internet connectivity services.

SECP Introduces Dedicated Registration Category

In its response to the committee, the SECP explained that it had coordinated with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSRAB) to introduce a separate classification for aerospace and space-related businesses within its company registration framework.

The newly established category covers both upstream and downstream activities associated with the space sector, including businesses proposing to provide satellite-based internet services.

According to the documents, four companies, namely Aether One, Flynautix, Galaxyspace Pakistan and Space P, were incorporated under the newly introduced category following the establishment of PSRAB.

Meanwhile, Starlink Internet Services and Spacesail Pakistan had already been registered before the dedicated classification was introduced. However, their principal business objectives reflect their involvement in satellite-based services.

The SECP clarified that incorporation as a registered company does not automatically authorise an entity to launch commercial operations or provide telecommunications services in Pakistan.

Security Clearance and Regulatory Approvals Awaited

The commission informed the parliamentary committee that most of the registered companies have yet to fulfil the mandatory regulatory requirements.

Regarding approval from PSRAB, the SECP stated that Space P (Private) Limited, a subsidiary of the National Command Authority, is currently the only company that has submitted the required No Objection Certificate (NOC). The remaining companies have not provided the relevant clearance.

In addition, security clearance from the Ministry of Interior for foreign directors and shareholders remains pending in the case of three foreign-linked companies.

These include:

– Starlink Internet Services Pakistan (Private) Limited
– Galaxyspace Pakistan (SMC-Private) Limited
– Spacesail Pakistan (Private) Limited

The pending clearances remain an important hurdle before these companies can proceed towards obtaining operational permissions.

Three Regulatory Requirements for Launching Services

According to the SECP, satellite internet operators must complete three essential regulatory requirements before commencing services in Pakistan.

These include security clearance from the Ministry of Interior, obtaining an NOC from PSRAB and securing the required licence from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

The commission emphasised that company registration alone does not fulfil these conditions, and commercial operations can only begin after the relevant authorities grant the necessary approvals.

SECP Appoints Focal Person for Coordination
To streamline the approval process and improve coordination between government institutions, the SECP has nominated Mubasher Saeed Saddozai, Divisional Head of the Company Registration Division (CRD), as its focal person.

He will coordinate with the Cabinet Division’s committee to develop a comprehensive compliance roadmap for companies seeking to operate in Pakistan’s satellite internet sector.

The SECP also reaffirmed its commitment to working with PSRAB, federal ministries and other regulatory bodies to establish an effective and coordinated framework for the strategically important industry.

The latest development highlights Pakistan’s growing interest in satellite-based connectivity, although the entry of international operators into the market remains dependent on the completion of security, regulatory and licensing procedures.