Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has updated the regulatory framework governing Internet of Things and Short Range Devices services in Pakistan, introducing clearer guidelines for spectrum usage, licensing requirements, and operational conditions. The revised IoT and SRD framework is aimed at supporting structured industry growth while ensuring efficient spectrum management and protection of national interests. According to PTA, the updated rules provide greater regulatory clarity for operators, technology providers, and institutions planning to deploy IoT solutions across different sectors, including smart infrastructure, utilities, transportation, and industrial automation.
Under the revised framework, IoT services are now permitted to operate using both licensed and shared spectrum, depending on the nature of the service and its technical requirements. PTA clarified that services may utilize unlicensed or shared frequency bands, including those commonly used for Low Power Wide Area Networks, strictly on a non interference and non protection basis. At the same time, IoT deployments may also operate on exclusively assigned or licensed spectrum bands where required, particularly for use cases that demand higher reliability, security, or quality of service. The authority stated that this dual approach is intended to accommodate a wide range of IoT applications while maintaining spectrum discipline.
PTA has categorized IoT service provisioning into two main groups based on frequency usage. Services operating on licensed or exclusively assigned spectrum include cellular mobile operators and other license holders with frequencies assigned by PTA or Frequency Allocation Board. These entities may offer IoT services under their existing license terms. Exclusive spectrum for IoT in other frequency bands may be assigned on a case by case basis, while mission critical IoT services are required to operate on licensed spectrum only. The second category covers services using shared spectrum, including short range devices, ultra wide band applications, and long range IoT deployments. Long range services will fall under a new LPWAN license category to be issued by PTA, introducing a structured licensing mechanism for wide area IoT networks.
For devices operating on approved shared spectrum bands, PTA has maintained license exempt status for IoT, SRD, and UWB devices, subject to strict compliance conditions. These include adherence to defined power limits and technical parameters, mandatory type approval under section 29 of the Act, and operation strictly on a secondary basis without interference protection. PTA has made it clear that such devices must cease operations immediately if harmful interference is reported. UWB applications with the potential to cause widespread interference will be reviewed individually and will require approval from FAB before deployment.
The updated framework also outlines detailed conditions for LPWAN license holders operating long range IoT services. PTA will issue LPWAN licenses under the CVAS regime, requiring licensees to comply with PTA and FAB site clearance processes, register all gateways, and submit updated gateway information every six months. Spectrum usage will remain shared and non exclusive, and licensees must tolerate interference while ensuring that primary services are not affected. Any impact on primary services will require immediate suspension of operations. PTA has also mandated that backend traffic must be routed through PTA licensed Local Access Providers, while storage of data outside Pakistan will require prior approval. Licensees are required to launch services within one year of license issuance, failing which the license will be cancelled.
For research and development purposes, PTA has allowed non commercial testing of IoT LPWAN bands without a license for companies, academic institutions, government bodies, and law enforcement agencies. Such testing is limited to a maximum of ten devices per model for a duration of six months, subject to PTA approval. Any extension beyond this period will require obtaining a full LPWAN license. PTA stated that its enforcement teams, along with FAB, will inspect trial setups to ensure regulatory compliance. The revised framework is designed to support innovation in IoT technologies while safeguarding spectrum integrity and regulatory oversight in Pakistan.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
