Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued guidance for internet users, emphasizing the importance of purchasing only licensed internet-related equipment to maintain legal compliance, spectrum integrity, and network quality. Authorities warned that procurement or import of LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) equipment without a valid PTA license could be considered a serious violation under Pakistan’s telecommunications laws. Citizens are urged to obtain internet devices and services from entities licensed for Internet of Things (IoT) Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) operations. Full details of licensed providers and equipment are accessible via PTA’s official website.
The advisory highlights the risks associated with unlicensed equipment, including interference with other licensed services, potential disruption of coordinated spectrum usage, and compromised quality of IoT networks. PTA officials stressed that unauthorized devices may fail to meet technical standards, affecting the performance and security of national digital initiatives. By promoting the use of licensed equipment, the authority aims to safeguard network reliability while ensuring compliance with existing regulations.
In parallel, PTA has introduced a licensing framework for Virtual Private Network (VPN) services under the reinstated Class Value Added Services (CVAS-Data) system. Licensed companies such as Alpha 3 Cubic (Steer Lucid), Zettabyte (Crest VPN), Nexilium Tech (Kestrel VPN), UKI Conic Solutions (QuiXure VPN), and Vision Tech 360 (Kryptonyme VPN) are now authorized to provide secure and lawful VPN services to individuals and organizations. Users are no longer required to register their IP addresses or mobile numbers separately with PTA for VPN access, ensuring convenient and compliant connectivity. This initiative also supports cybersecurity by promoting legitimate and regulated VPN usage across Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.
PTA’s move aligns with broader efforts to enhance regulatory facilitation and strengthen cyber defences. The authority noted that licensed VPN services help mitigate risks associated with unregistered providers, ensuring users connect safely while protecting data privacy. This comes amid warnings from Google regarding a rise in malicious apps masquerading as VPN services. According to Google’s November 2025 advisory, cybercriminals are exploiting the trust in VPNs by disguising malware as legitimate apps or browser extensions. These deceptive apps often impersonate well-known VPN brands, using enticing advertisements to lure users into installation and data compromise.
By combining guidance on licensed internet equipment with regulated VPN services, PTA seeks to enhance network security, support legal compliance, and provide safer online experiences for Pakistan’s growing digital user base. The authority continues to encourage public awareness and adherence to licensing requirements to protect both national infrastructure and individual users from potential cyber threats.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
