Six satellite internet companies have registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), yet none have received the regulatory approvals needed to start commercial operations.

What Companies Have Registered and What Stages Remain?

Four firms, Aether One, Flanavotics, Galaxy Space, and SpaceP, completed registration after the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) was created. In addition, Starlink and SpaceCell Pakistan have also registered as local companies.

Registration with the SECP, however, does not grant the right to provide satellite internet services. The companies must still satisfy security requirements and obtain the necessary approvals from both PSARB and the Ministry of Interior before the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) can issue licences.

Why Registration Is Not Sufficient for Service Launch

The SECP has clarified that a company's entry on the corporate register does not equate to a licence to operate satellite broadband. The regulatory framework requires a two-step clearance:

  • A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from PSARB, which assesses technical and safety aspects of space-related activities.
  • Security clearances from the Ministry of Interior, especially for foreign directors and shareholders.

Only SpaceP has submitted its PSARB NOC so far. All other firms remain in the pre-licensing queue.

How the Approval Process Works

After a company files for registration with the SECP, the following sequence is triggered:

  1. The SECP forwards the application to PSARB for an NOC. PSARB reviews the satellite payload, orbital parameters, and compliance with national space policy.
  2. Once PSARB issues an NOC, the dossier moves to the Ministry of Interior for security vetting. This step examines the backgrounds of foreign investors, directors, and any potential dual-use technology concerns.
  3. When the Ministry clears the security check, the PTA receives the complete package and can issue a telecom licence that authorises commercial satellite internet service.

If any step is delayed, the entire process stalls, as seen in the current situation.

Current Status of Security Clearances

The Ministry of Interior has yet to grant security approvals for Starlink, Galaxy Space, and SpaceCell Pakistan. Without these clearances, the companies cannot advance to the PTA licensing stage.

Security approvals are especially critical for firms with foreign ownership, because the Ministry must ensure that no external entity can compromise national security through satellite communications.

Impact on Pakistan's Broadband Landscape

Satellite internet promises to bridge the digital divide in remote and underserved regions where fibre or cellular networks are impractical. Delays in licensing keep these potential benefits on hold, affecting:

  • Rural households that rely on limited terrestrial connectivity.
  • Businesses seeking reliable high-speed internet for operations in remote locations.
  • The government's broader goal of expanding broadband coverage under its Digital Pakistan agenda.

Until the six companies receive full clearance, existing providers will continue to dominate the market, and price competition may remain limited.

What Comes Next for the Registered Companies?

All six firms must secure a PSARB NOC and pass the Ministry of Interior's security checks before the PTA can issue licences. The SECP's report to the Senate Standing Committee, prompted by a letter from committee chairman Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan, indicates that the process is transparent but currently bottlenecked at the security stage.

Watch for official statements from PSARB and the Ministry of Interior regarding the timeline for pending clearances. Once security approvals are granted, the PTA will move forward with licensing, after which commercial satellite internet services can be launched.

Practical Takeaways for Stakeholders

For investors and foreign partners, the key steps are to ensure full compliance with security vetting requirements and to maintain open communication with both PSARB and the Ministry of Interior.

For consumers, the message is clear: satellite broadband options will become available only after the regulatory hurdles are cleared. Until then, existing broadband services remain the only legal option.

Background: Pakistan's Space and Telecom Regulation

Pakistan created PSARB in 2022 to oversee all space-related activities, including satellite launches, ground stations, and broadband services delivered from orbit. The board works alongside the SECP, which handles corporate registration, and the PTA, which regulates telecommunications licences.

The regulatory architecture reflects Pakistan's aim to balance rapid technological adoption with national security concerns. By requiring both a technical NOC and a security clearance, the government seeks to prevent unauthorized use of satellite capacity while encouraging investment in the sector.

Why the Senate Standing Committee Is Involved

The SECP submitted its registration details to the Senate Standing Committee after receiving a request from committee chairman Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan. Parliamentary oversight ensures that the licensing process remains accountable and that any undue delays are documented.

The committee's involvement also signals to the executive ministries that the issue has legislative interest, potentially prompting faster action on pending security clearances.

Conclusion

Six satellite internet companies have taken the first formal step by registering with the SECP, but the path to commercial service remains blocked by pending PSARB NOC submissions and security clearances from the Ministry of Interior. The PTA will only issue licences after these hurdles are cleared, meaning Pakistan's satellite broadband rollout is still awaiting final regulatory sign-off.