Six Satellite Internet Firms Registered; Starlink Among Three Still Awaiting Security Clearance

ISLAMABAD: Six companies providing satellite internet services have been registered in the country, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), though none has yet been reported as authorised to begin commercial operations.

The details were provided by the SECP in a written reply to the Senate standing committee. Among the registered companies is Elon Musk’s Starlink.

According to the documents, four companies were registered after the establishment of the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB). They include Aether One, Galaxy Space Pakistan and Space P. The registrations were made under a special category of space and aerospace business introduced through coordination between the SECP and PSARB. Starlink and Space Cell Pakistan were registered before this new category was created.

According to the SECP, the security clearances for the foreign directors and shareholders of Starlink Internet Services Pakistan, Galaxy Space Pakistan and Space Cell Pakistan are pending with the Ministry of Interior.

Of the six companies, only Space P (Private) Limited has submitted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from PSARB to the SECP.

The SECP clarified that company registration is only the first step. To provide services to consumers, companies need a NOC from PSARB, Interior Ministry security clearance for foreign directors and shareholders where required, and an operational licence from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).