Six companies have registered in Pakistan to enter the satellite internet and space-related business, but most are still waiting for regulatory approvals and security clearances before they can begin commercial operations.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) shared the details with the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, outlining the registration status and requirements for companies planning to offer satellite-based internet services.
The six registered companies are Starlink Internet Services Pakistan, Spacesail Pakistan, Aether One, Flynautix, Galaxyspace Pakistan and Space P.
Aether One, Flynautix, Galaxyspace Pakistan and Space P were incorporated after the establishment of the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB). Starlink Internet Services Pakistan and Spacesail Pakistan were registered before the introduction of the dedicated registration category.
The SECP clarified that company registration does not automatically allow businesses to launch satellite internet services. They must also fulfil the relevant regulatory requirements and obtain necessary approvals.
According to the report, 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.
The commission has introduced a separate category for aerospace and space-related businesses in coordination with PSARB to facilitate the registration and classification of companies operating in the sector.
Space P, a subsidiary of the National Command Authority, has been identified as exempt from the PSARB no-objection certificate requirement. The report also mentions that the company has provided the certificate.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will issue the relevant licences once companies complete the mandatory security checks and other regulatory requirements.
As a result, the six companies cannot begin commercial satellite internet services simply on the basis of their SECP registration.
The information was submitted following a request from Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat Chairman Senator Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan.
The SECP has appointed Mubasher Saeed Saddozai, Divisional Head of its Corporate Registry Department, as its focal person to coordinate with the parliamentary committee.
