The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has made significant strides in strengthening the country’s telecom infrastructure by issuing 177 new licenses during the fiscal year 2023-24. This effort underscores an unwavering commitment and dedication of the PTA to enhancing telecommunications services and catering to the diverse needs of Pakistan’s growing digital landscape.
The latest reports of PTA claim that the licenses were distributed across various categories. It reflects a robust and forward-thinking strategy to simultaneously support both technological advancements and market demands. Key categories included:
- Fixed Local Loop (FLL) licenses, with 60 issued
- Class Value Added Services (CVAS), which accounted for 36 licenses.
Wireless HF/VHF/UHF services saw 31 licenses granted, while Amateur licenses accounted for 39. Other notable licenses included three for long-distance and International (LDI) services, six for Aeronautical Mobile Stations, and two for IoT Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) technologies.
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As of October 2024, the PTA reports a cumulative total of 2,140 active licenses across all categories. The Fixed Local Loop category leads with 312 licenses, followed by an impressive 1,142 licenses under wireless services, which include HF/UHF/VHF, Amateur, and IoT LPWAN technologies. Class Value Added Services (CVAS) contribute 540 licenses, while Telecom Infrastructure Provider and Tower Provider (TIP/TTP) services account for 46.
Significant progress is also noted in cellular/mobile licenses, with five currently active. Additionally, seven licenses are allocated for International Connectivity via Submarine Cables, with four more submarine cable projects in the pipeline. Local mobile manufacturing has also gained momentum, with 39 authorizations granted, highlighting growth in Pakistan’s domestic telecom manufacturing sector.
The PTA emphasizes that these licensing initiatives aim to foster a competitive and well-regulated telecom market, ensuring transparency, innovation, and consumer protection. By creating a stable regulatory framework, the authority encourages investment and supports the development of cutting-edge infrastructure.
One of the highlights of the PTA’s strategy is its focus on underserved and rural areas, where improved connectivity can transform lives. The inclusion of IoT LPWAN licenses underscores the authority’s commitment to facilitating emerging technologies, aligning with global trends and the growing demand for smart solutions in Pakistan.
By adapting policies to technological advancements and evolving market dynamics, the PTA is incessantly playing a pivotal role in driving Pakistan’s digital transformation. This comprehensive approach not only enhances service delivery but also fosters inclusivity, bridging the digital divide and ensuring that even remote areas have access to reliable telecom services.