PTA issued 177 telecom licenses during the fiscal year 2023-24, underscoring a significant push to enhance telecommunications infrastructure and service diversity across the country. The issuance of these licenses spans multiple categories, reflecting the authority’s commitment to fostering innovation and connectivity in an evolving digital landscape.
PTA’s annual report highlights the breakdown of licenses issued, which include 60 Fixed Local Loop (FLL) licenses, 36 Class Value Added Services (CVAS) licenses, and 31 Wireless HF/VHF/UHF licenses. Additional categories covered include 39 Amateur Licenses, three Long Distance and International (LDI) licenses, six Aeronautical Mobile Station licenses, and two Internet of Things (IoT) Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) licenses.
As of October 2024, the cumulative number of telecom licenses across all categories has reached 2,140. The Fixed Local Loop category leads with 312 licenses, followed by a substantial 1,142 licenses under the wireless services domain, which encompasses HF/UHF/VHF, Amateur, and IoT LPWAN. Meanwhile, the CVAS category accounts for 540 licenses, reflecting its importance in providing innovative digital services.
Other notable achievements include the issuance of 46 Telecom Infrastructure Provider/Tower Provider (TIP/TTP) licenses, which are critical for expanding connectivity in rural and underserved areas. Furthermore, there are five cellular/mobile licenses and seven International Connectivity (Submarine Cables) licenses, with four additional submarine cable projects currently in progress. These initiatives are pivotal for enhancing Pakistan’s global digital integration.
PTA’s efforts also extend to promoting local manufacturing in the telecom sector. As of this year, 39 authorizations for local mobile manufacturing have been issued, signaling steady progress in the domestic production of telecommunications equipment.
The authority emphasized that its licensing activities are guided by a structured framework aimed at ensuring a competitive and well-regulated telecom market. By fostering transparency and efficiency, PTA seeks to attract investments and create a stable environment conducive to technological innovation and consumer protection.
These licensing efforts play a crucial role in advancing digital transformation across Pakistan, particularly in areas where connectivity remains a challenge. The authority’s focus on underserved and rural regions is evident in its prioritization of Fixed Local Loop and wireless service licenses. The inclusion of IoT LPWAN licenses further highlights its forward-looking approach to facilitating emerging technologies that are shaping the future of digital connectivity.
PTA’s strategic initiatives align with Pakistan’s growing demand for reliable and cutting-edge telecom services. By continuously adapting policies to address technological advancements and market trends, the regulatory body remains dedicated to expanding digital inclusivity and enhancing service standards nationwide.
As the telecommunications sector evolves, PTA’s efforts are not only pivotal for improving service delivery but also for driving the country’s broader digital transformation goals. The authority’s proactive licensing and infrastructure development initiatives underscore its role as a catalyst for innovation and growth in Pakistan’s telecom industry.
