Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has issued a notification revising the charges for Radio-Based Services effective from July 1, 2025, in an effort to bring local spectrum management more in line with international practices. The revised fee structure covers Private Radio Networks, Flat Rate Radio-Based Services, and DRS/Microwave Links. Charges under the new system will be calculated by considering a range of factors including frequency, bandwidth, power, and location, signalling a more granular and usage-based approach to licensing.
According to the notification, annual charges for Private Radio Networks will now be determined by multiplying a base price with frequency factors, the number of frequencies, bandwidth, output power and location factors. This formula is aimed at ensuring that operators pay fees proportionate to their actual usage and technical parameters. For Flat Rate Radio-Based Services, new rates have been specified for multiple categories such as aircraft and ship mobile stations at Rs. 100,000 for a five-year period, Inmarsat at Rs. 250,000 for five years, and amateur radio services at Rs. 2,000 for five years. These changes create a clearer and longer-term payment schedule for license holders operating under flat-rate terms.
For DRS and Microwave Links, PTA has introduced a tiered rate system based on frequency ranges. Rates now start from Rs. 24,000 per MHz for spectrum up to 1 GHz, moving down to Rs. 600 per MHz for spectrum above 10 GHz. This differentiated pricing reflects the varying demand and propagation characteristics of different frequency bands and is intended to incentivize efficient spectrum use across the sector. PTA has further directed that advance payment for five years will be charged at the time of issuance or renewal of licenses under flat-rate services. This shift will also apply to existing licensees, who will transition to the revised rates starting in July 2025.
The authority also announced that future revisions of Radio-Based Services charges will take place every three to five years in consultation with industry stakeholders to keep the pricing structure aligned with technological and market changes. By introducing these updated charges, PTA aims to provide a more predictable and transparent cost framework for businesses and organizations relying on private radio networks, maritime and aviation communications, and microwave links. The revised fee system represents a significant recalibration of how spectrum-related services are priced and maintained, reinforcing a move towards better resource management and long-term planning in Pakistan’s communications landscape.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
