Six Satellite Internet Companies Register in Pakistan, But Commercial Launch Awaits Regulatory Nods

Six companies have completed corporate registration in Pakistan to provide satellite-based internet services and engage in space-related activities, according to details submitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat. The registered firms include Starlink Internet Services Pakistan, Spacesail Pakistan, Aether One, Flynautix, Galaxyspace Pakistan and Space P.

However, registration does not permit these companies to begin commercial satellite internet operations. They must still meet the requirements set by the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) and obtain necessary security clearances. The report revealed that security clearance for foreign directors and shareholders of Starlink Internet Services Pakistan, Galaxyspace Pakistan and Spacesail Pakistan is still pending with the Ministry of Interior.

Four of the companies—Aether One, Flynautix, Galaxyspace Pakistan and Space P—were incorporated after the establishment of PSARB, while Starlink and Spacesail were registered earlier. SECP has also created a separate registration category for aerospace and space-related businesses in coordination with PSARB to better identify and classify companies operating in the sector.

Space P, identified as a subsidiary of the National Command Authority, has been noted as exempt from the PSARB no-objection certificate requirement, though the SECP report also mentions that Space P submitted the certificate—a point that requires clarification. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will issue the relevant licences once companies complete mandatory security and regulatory requirements.

This means Starlink and other satellite internet providers cannot commercially launch their services until all required approvals are in place. The information was submitted to the Senate committee following a request from its chairman, Senator Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan. SECP has appointed Mubasher Saeed Saddozai, Divisional Head of its Corporate Registry Department, as the focal person for coordination with the committee.