MoIT&T has launched an initiative to streamline the Right of Way (RoW) No Objection Certificate (NOC) processes for telecom operators. The effort is part of the government’s broader commitment to facilitating the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure across Pakistan. According to a written reply from the Minister Incharge of the Cabinet Division to the Senate, this move is aimed at improving the regulatory environment and ensuring that telecom operators can deploy necessary infrastructure with minimal delays.
The Right of Way NOC process is critical for telecom operators who are looking to establish new base transceiver stations (BTS) across the country. These stations are vital for ensuring widespread mobile connectivity and network expansion. The Ministry of IT and Telecom’s decision to automate the process will help in expediting approvals and clearing roadblocks that often hinder telecom infrastructure growth. The new automated online system will allow for more efficient processing of NOC requests, making it easier for operators to meet rollout obligations.
According to the minister’s statement, the government is taking significant steps to support telecom expansion through both regulatory and policy measures. One key initiative involves the rollout obligations set by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The PTA has mandated that cellular mobile operators (CMOs) meet certain minimum annual BTS site targets, with a specific number of sites required in each province of Pakistan. These targets are part of the government’s effort to enhance mobile connectivity and ensure that telecom services reach a wider population.
The requirements include setting up 245 sites in Punjab, 105 in Sindh, 65 in KPK, and 30 in Balochistan. The aim is to increase the overall population coverage by 3% annually. However, the number of sites added each year can vary depending on several factors, such as terrain, radio frequency conditions, and the existing infrastructure. These varying conditions mean that certain regions, particularly remote or difficult-to-access areas, may require more effort to meet the coverage targets.
To ensure fair and efficient distribution of licenses, the PTA issues CMO licenses through an open auction process. This process clearly outlines the terms and conditions related to rollout obligations for each licensee. The licenses are awarded for a period of 15 years, during which the operators must adhere to their obligations. Since 2021, the population-based coverage requirements have been enhanced, reflecting the government’s continued push to expand telecom services across Pakistan.
In addition to urban areas, the government is also focusing on remote and underdeveloped regions, where commercial viability is often low. For these areas, the Universal Service Fund (USF) plays a crucial role in facilitating telecom coverage. The USF, established under the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, funds projects that aim to extend connectivity to areas where it would not otherwise be economically feasible for telecom operators to invest. The fund is vital for achieving universal coverage and ensuring that rural and underserved areas are not left behind in the digital revolution.
PTA has also issued separate telecom licenses for the regions of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), where rollout targets are adjusted to account for the unique geographical and infrastructural challenges in these areas. Urban and rural areas within AJ&K and GB have distinct rollout targets, reflecting the different needs and conditions of these regions.
The ongoing efforts by the Ministry of IT and Telecom to modernize the telecom sector are expected to drive significant growth in connectivity across Pakistan. The automation of the RoW NOC process is a key step in ensuring that telecom operators can efficiently roll out the required infrastructure, contributing to enhanced mobile network coverage and improved services for consumers.
