These Companies are in Race to Launch Satellite Internet in Pakistan

Pakistan’s satellite internet market is attracting growing attention as six companies move closer to establishing their presence in the country. Among the major names are Elon Musk’s Starlink and China-linked Spacesail, alongside four other companies that have completed their corporate registration. However, the launch of commercial services is still dependent on regulatory approvals and security clearances.

The development highlights increasing interest in bringing satellite-based broadband technology to Pakistan, where millions of people continue to face internet connectivity challenges, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

According to documents submitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to a Senate standing committee, six satellite internet companies have been registered under Pakistani corporate laws.

The companies seeking to enter the market are Aether One (SMC-Private) Limited, Flynautix (Private) Limited, Galaxyspace Pakistan (SMC-Private) Limited, Space P (Private) Limited, Starlink Internet Services (Private) Limited and Spacesail Pakistan (Private) Limited.

Four of these companies, including Aether One, Flynautix, Galaxyspace Pakistan and Space P, were registered under a dedicated business category for aerospace and space-related activities. This category was introduced through coordination between the SECP and the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB).

Starlink Internet Services and Spacesail Pakistan had already been incorporated before the introduction of this category.

While all six companies have completed the corporate registration process, their entry into Pakistan's internet market is not yet guaranteed. The SECP has confirmed that company registration alone does not grant permission to provide satellite internet services.

Security clearance is still pending for foreign directors and shareholders associated with Starlink Internet Services Pakistan, Galaxyspace Pakistan and Spacesail Pakistan. The Ministry of Interior is responsible for processing these clearances.

Another important requirement is approval from PSARB. Among the six registered companies, Space P (Private) Limited, a subsidiary of Pakistan's National Command Authority (NCA), is currently the only one that has submitted its required PSARB No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the SECP.

Companies planning to offer satellite broadband must also secure the relevant operational licence from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), along with other mandatory approvals.

Satellite internet could bring significant changes to Pakistan's digital connectivity landscape. Unlike traditional broadband networks that depend heavily on physical infrastructure, satellite-based systems can provide internet access in locations where fibre-optic expansion and conventional network coverage remain limited.

For now, the six registered companies are competing to establish their position in Pakistan's emerging satellite internet sector, but the actual launch of services will depend on how quickly they complete the remaining regulatory requirements.