Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has initiated the issuance of class licenses for the provision of internet services at the district level across the country. This move is aimed at fostering local entrepreneurship, improving broadband infrastructure and enhancing digital inclusion, particularly in under-served and remote areas. The new licensing framework allows small and medium-scale operators to provide internet services at the district level, addressing last-mile connectivity challenges while enabling greater access to digital resources for communities that have traditionally been on the margins of broadband coverage.
Under this framework, class licenses will be valid for ten years. Applicants are required to pay a one-time initial license fee of Rs300,000 along with an Annual License Fee (ALF) of Rs100,000 for the first year, which must be deposited before the license becomes effective. The ALF for subsequent years is payable in advance and will be subject to a 10 percent annual increase. PTA has provided a detailed checklist and made the application process available through its online portal, while a template of the class license has also been uploaded on the authority’s official website. These measures are intended to simplify the application process and provide clarity for operators interested in participating in the district-level internet initiative.
This step is part of PTA’s ongoing commitment to expanding broadband penetration and promoting sustainable growth within the telecommunications sector. By enabling smaller operators to enter the market, PTA aims to stimulate competition, encourage investment in digital infrastructure and enhance access to internet services for communities that have faced connectivity gaps. The class license scheme also aligns with broader government objectives to increase digital adoption and create opportunities for local entrepreneurship in the technology and telecommunications space.
In parallel, PTA recently updated its regulatory framework for Internet of Things (IoT) and Short Range Devices (SRD) to support the development of a nationwide IoT ecosystem. The revised framework provides guidelines for IoT service provision with an emphasis on the use of shared and unlicensed spectrum for Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) under a non-interference, non-protection basis. Services that require licensed or exclusively assigned frequency bands, including mission-critical IoT applications, will continue to operate under existing license conditions applicable to Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) and other licensees. PTA has indicated that these revisions align with international best practices and support the government’s vision for digital transformation by enabling both licensed and shared spectrum deployments for IoT networks.
Through these initiatives, PTA seeks to strengthen Pakistan’s digital ecosystem by creating regulatory mechanisms that promote equitable access to broadband and facilitate the growth of emerging technologies such as IoT. By combining district-level internet licensing with spectrum reforms for IoT and SRD services, PTA is providing a foundation for improved connectivity, technological innovation and inclusive digital development. The authority’s measures reflect a deliberate effort to create a supportive regulatory environment that empowers operators, encourages investment in broadband and digital infrastructure, and fosters the growth of Pakistan’s telecommunications sector.
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