The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has unveiled a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at expanding free public Wi-Fi access across Islamabad.
Released by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the new framework defines the duties of licensed operators, protocols for handling user data, and public awareness measures to ensure secure connectivity for everyone.
Under this framework, holders of CVAS (Class Value-Added Services) and local loop licenses are now allowed to establish Wi-Fi hotspots in Islamabad without having to pay extra licensing fees.
In addition, licensees will be granted free access to unlicensed ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) radio frequency bands to set up these public hotspots.
However, the rollout of these services will depend on the commercial readiness of each licensed provider. The PTA has stressed that all service operators must safeguard the confidentiality of users’ data and activity logs.
The framework also highlights the significance of user privacy, instructing service providers to run campaigns that promote safe and responsible internet use among the public.
As part of the upgrade, Wi-Fi 6E technology has been introduced, while work on implementing Wi-Fi 7 is already underway, promising even faster and more reliable public connectivity in the near future.
