The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued district-level Class Licences to 300 companies to provide internet services across Pakistan, with the initiative aimed at expanding broadband connectivity and accelerating fibre deployment in underserved areas. According to PTA officials, most of the licences issued in recent months cover districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where connectivity remains limited in several areas. The new licensing framework allows small and medium-sized businesses to operate internet services within a single district, creating opportunities for local internet service providers to expand broadband availability.
Under the district-level licensing framework, each licence is valid for 10 years. Licence holders are required to pay a one-time initial fee of Rs. 300,000 and an annual licence fee of Rs. 100,000 for the first year. PTA will issue only one district-level licence to each eligible entity, while companies receiving the licences must begin commercial operations within one year. The framework is intended to facilitate the entry of smaller service providers into areas where large-scale broadband infrastructure and commercial operations may not currently be sufficient.
The licensed companies will also be required to register at least 100 broadband subscribers during their first year of operations. In addition, internet service providers operating under the framework must obtain bandwidth from duly licensed operators to maintain regulatory compliance and service reliability. By establishing specific operating requirements alongside district-based licences, PTA is seeking to create a structured framework for local broadband providers while supporting the expansion of internet infrastructure beyond major urban centres.
The licensing initiative comes as Pakistan continues to expand broadband and fibre infrastructure in underserved and remote areas. Earlier this month, the Universal Service Fund approved a Rs. 32.90 billion budget for 2026-27, including funding for new broadband and optical fibre projects in areas with limited connectivity. The latest PTA licences add another component to these efforts by enabling companies to provide internet services at the district level, potentially increasing the availability of broadband services and supporting wider digital access across the country.
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