Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication to fast-track the implementation of the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) framework in a bid to boost telecom sector growth and attract fresh investment.
According to a report, the directive came during a pre-cabinet briefing on the proposed framework, where the Prime Minister emphasized the need to expedite its finalization. Once the preparatory work is complete, the policy will be presented before the federal cabinet for approval.
Despite receiving the draft framework nearly a year ago, the IT ministry has yet to finalize the MVNO policy, which was initially intended to be completed before the upcoming spectrum auction.
Prepared by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the MVNO framework aims to clarify spectrum requirements and guide efficient decision-making during the auction process. It seeks to open new investment avenues by allowing smaller companies to operate under their own brand names and offer customized services through commercial agreements with existing Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
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Under the proposed plan, a nationwide MVNO license will be valid for 15 years, with an upfront fee of $140,000 payable in local currency. MVNOs will also be required to contribute to regulatory funds, including the Universal Service Fund (USF) and Research & Development (R&D) Fund, based on their combined annual gross revenue with the parent MNO.
The framework sets strict compliance conditions for service quality, national security, and customer care, requiring each MVNO to establish service centers in operational cities and maintain 24/7 helplines. Both MNOs and MVNOs will need prior PTA approval before discontinuing or altering services.
Once approved, the framework will operationalize a long-pending reform under the Telecommunications Policy 2015, allowing MVNOs to enter Pakistan’s telecom market and potentially reshape its competitive landscape.
