The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has proposed new regulations allowing companies and research organizations to test Internet of Things (IoT) technologies through a one-year registration facility. The initiative could encourage innovation in Pakistan’s rapidly developing digital sector.
According to the draft IoT and Low Power Wide Area Networks Licensing Regulations 2026, organizations will be allowed to establish experimental networks for research, development and technology testing. However, the proposed rules have not yet taken effect.
Under the new framework, applicants will receive registration valid for one year. Testing activities must remain within a single premises, ensuring that experimental networks operate in a controlled environment.
The proposed registration involves an initial fee of Rs2,000, alongside a non-refundable application processing charge of Rs1,000. Applicants must also submit technical information and supporting documents through PTA’s online system.
The regulations introduce additional requirements for organizations using satellite connections and other technologies to transmit data between connected devices.
Under the proposal, operators must route backend network traffic through a PTA-licensed Local Access Provider (LAP). This requirement also applies to satellite-based connections.
Applicants must identify the authorized provider responsible for connecting network gateways with central servers. Failure to use a licensed provider could result in cancellation of registration or the relevant licence.
The proposed framework establishes separate categories for licensed IoT services, registered experimental networks and activities exempt from registration.
IoT technology supports applications such as smart agriculture, industrial monitoring, connected security systems and automated infrastructure.
The initiative could help Pakistani universities, startups and technology companies test innovative solutions before launching commercial services.
The new regulations will become enforceable only after their official publication in the government gazette.
