Six Satellite Internet Companies Registered, but None Has Received a PTA Operating Licence
Starlink’s launch in Pakistan is still awaiting regulatory approval and security clearances, despite the company being registered in the country.
According to information shared with a Senate committee, six satellite internet companies have now registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). These include Starlink, Aether One, Flanavotics, Galaxy Space, SpaceP and SpaceCell Pakistan.
However, company registration does not give these firms permission to start commercial operations. They must complete further regulatory requirements before they can provide satellite internet services in Pakistan.
The approval process includes obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB), completing required security checks and securing an operating licence from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
So far, only SpaceP has submitted its PSARB NOC. Security clearances for foreign directors and shareholders of Starlink, Galaxy Space and SpaceCell Pakistan are also among the pending requirements.
Satellite internet could improve connectivity in remote and underserved parts of Pakistan, where traditional broadband infrastructure is limited. However, there is currently no confirmed date for Starlink or other satellite internet companies to begin commercial services.
The launch will depend on the completion of the required approvals and licensing process.
