Pakistan has moved closer to opening its market to global satellite internet companies as the government finalizes regulations and licensing rules for satellite-based connectivity.
Information Technology and Telecommunication Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja told the Senate that several major satellite operators have expressed interest in entering Pakistan. The companies include SpaceX’s Starlink, OneWeb, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST) and Sateliot.
Starlink Already Registered With SECP
Pakistan requires satellite operators to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) before they can complete registration with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB).
Starlink has already completed its SECP registration. PSARB has also engaged with SpaceX to process Starlink’s satellite system registration. The authority issued Starlink provisional registration in March 2025 to allow the company to plan ground infrastructure and complete regulatory requirements.
PSARB has advised OneWeb, SSST and Sateliot to complete SECP registration before proceeding with PSARB registration.
PSARB is coordinating with the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to align satellite registration, spectrum allocation and telecom licensing requirements.
Pakistan Finalizes Satellite Internet Regulations
Pakistan established PSARB under the Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024 to regulate and authorize space-related activities. PSARB requires satellite operators to complete SECP registration before seeking registration with the authority.
PSARB has prepared draft Satellite Communications Regulations covering satellite systems, including low Earth orbit (LEO) and other non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) systems. The government is completing consultations on the framework.
The PTA has also developed a Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) licensing framework. The government expects to take the framework to the Federal Cabinet for consideration.
The proposed rules aim to create a transparent and investment-friendly environment for satellite operators while maintaining Pakistan’s spectrum management and national security requirements.
Three-Step Approval Process for Satellite Operators
PSARB currently outlines a three-stage process for NGSO satellite operators that want to provide services in Pakistan:
- SECP registration for the company
- PSARB registration for the satellite system and associated ground infrastructure
- PTA service licensing for telecommunications services
This process can cover direct-to-consumer broadband, business connectivity, telecom backhaul and Internet of Things (IoT) services.
Satellite Internet Could Expand Coverage
The government considers satellite broadband an important part of Pakistan’s digital strategy. Satellite services can help connect remote and underserved areas where fiber networks and conventional mobile infrastructure face coverage limitations.
Satellite connectivity can also support telecom backhaul, corporate connectivity, bandwidth services and IoT applications. It can provide an additional connectivity option and strengthen the resilience of Pakistan’s communications infrastructure.
Global Satellite Companies Eye Pakistan
The interest from multiple international operators could increase competition in Pakistan’s broadband market and give consumers and businesses more connectivity options.
However, satellite companies still need to complete Pakistan’s regulatory requirements, including company registration, satellite system registration, spectrum coordination, security clearances and telecom licensing, before they can launch full commercial services.
Pakistan’s latest regulatory push brings the country closer to a formal satellite internet market and could eventually allow companies such as Starlink, OneWeb, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology and Sateliot to offer satellite-based connectivity to Pakistani users.
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