The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued district-level licences to 300 companies to expand internet services across Pakistan.
The move aims to improve broadband access and encourage fibre deployment in areas that remain underserved. Most of the licences issued in recent months cover districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The initiative could help strengthen digital connectivity in remote and less-connected areas. At the same time, it is expected to support wider fibre deployment and improve access to internet services.
PTA Issues 300 District-Level Internet Licences
Under the new licensing framework, small and medium-sized businesses can provide internet services within a single district. However, each entity can receive only one district-level licence from the PTA.
The licences remain valid for 10 years. Therefore, successful applicants can operate their internet services within the approved district throughout the licence period, subject to regulatory requirements.
Applicants must also pay a one-time initial licence fee of Rs. 300,000. In addition, they are required to pay an annual licence fee of Rs. 100,000 during the first year.
Companies Given One Year to Launch Services
Licence holders cannot delay the launch of their commercial operations indefinitely. Instead, they must begin providing commercial internet services within one year of receiving their licences.
Furthermore, licensed companies must register at least 100 broadband subscribers during their first year of operations. This requirement sets a minimum customer target for businesses entering the district-level internet market.
The conditions are designed to ensure that licence holders move beyond obtaining regulatory approval. They must also establish their services and begin connecting customers within the required timeframe.
Focus on Underserved Areas
The district-level licensing initiative is particularly significant for areas where broadband connectivity remains limited. Most of the licences issued in recent months cover districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
As more companies enter these local markets, internet users in underserved districts could gain access to additional broadband options. Meanwhile, increased service provision could encourage further fibre deployment.
The initiative therefore focuses on expanding connectivity beyond areas that already have stronger internet infrastructure. It also provides smaller businesses with an opportunity to operate as local internet service providers.
Bandwidth Must Come From Licensed Operators
The PTA has also set requirements for how licensed internet service providers obtain bandwidth. Companies operating under the framework must source their bandwidth from duly licensed operators.
This requirement is intended to keep service providers within the regulatory framework. It also establishes a clear requirement for companies before they begin providing internet services to customers.
With 300 district-level licences now issued, the framework could expand the number of businesses offering broadband services across different parts of Pakistan. However, licence holders must meet the specified launch, subscriber and regulatory requirements to operate under the framework.
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