PTA Issued 177 Telecom Licenses in FY24

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued a total of 177 telecom licenses during the fiscal year 2023-24, according to its latest report. These licenses spanned various categories, reflecting a robust effort to enhance the country’s telecommunications infrastructure and service offerings. Key categories included Fixed Local Loop (FLL) licenses with 60 issued, Class Value Added Services (CVAS) with 36, and Wireless HF/VHF/UHF licenses with 31. Other notable categories were Amateur Licenses (39), Long Distance and International (LDI) licenses (3), Aeronautical Mobile Station licenses (6), and IoT Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) licenses (2). As of October 2024, the PTA reports a cumulative total of 2,140 licenses across all categories. Among these, the Fixed Local Loop category leads with 312 licenses, followed by 1,142 licenses issued under wireless services, including HF/UHF/VHF, Amateur, and IoT LPWAN. The Class Value Added Services (CVAS) category accounts for 540 licenses, while 46 licenses were issued for Telecom Infrastructure Provider/Tower Provider (TIP/TTP) services. Cellular/Mobile licenses stand at 5, and International Connectivity (Submarine Cables) licenses number 7, with four additional submarine cable projects in the pipeline. Local mobile manufacturing authorizations have reached 39, signifying progress in the domestic telecom manufacturing sector. According to the report, PTA’s licensing initiatives aim to ensure a competitive and well-regulated telecom market, fostering innovation and consumer protection. The authority’s structured framework emphasizes transparency and efficiency, creating a stable environment that encourages investments. By catering to diverse telecom service and infrastructure needs, the PTA plays a crucial role in driving digital transformation and improving service delivery across Pakistan, particularly in underserved and rural regions. The authority states that its commitment to adapting policies to technological advancements and evolving market trends is key to expanding digital connectivity, enhancing service standards, and promoting inclusivity. Key licensing efforts, such as those in wireless and fixed local loop categories, align with Pakistan’s growing demand for reliable and innovative telecom services. The inclusion of IoT LPWAN licenses further reflects the regulatory body’s focus on facilitating emerging technologies.