Islamabad, Dec 23: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued 177 telecom licenses during the fiscal year 2023-24, as outlined in its recent report. These licenses covered various categories, reflecting efforts to expand the country’s telecommunications infrastructure and services.
Key categories included 60 Fixed Local Loop (FLL) licenses, 36 Class Value Added Services (CVAS) licenses, and 31 Wireless HF/VHF/UHF licenses. Other significant allocations were 39 Amateur Licenses, three Long Distance and International (LDI) licenses, six Aeronautical Mobile Station licenses, and two IoT Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) licenses.
By October 2024, the PTA reported a total of 2,140 licenses across all categories. Fixed Local Loop licenses accounted for 312, while 1,142 licenses were issued under wireless services, including HF/UHF/VHF, Amateur, and IoT LPWAN.
The CVAS category held 540 licenses, while 46 licenses were issued for Telecom Infrastructure Provider/Tower Provider (TIP/TTP) services. Additionally, there are five Cellular/Mobile licenses and seven International Connectivity (Submarine Cables) licenses, with four more submarine cable projects in progress. Local mobile manufacturing authorizations have reached 39, indicating growth in domestic telecom production.
The report highlights PTA’s licensing efforts as vital to fostering a competitive and well-regulated telecom market. These initiatives promote innovation, ensure consumer protection, and emphasize transparency and efficiency, creating a conducive environment for investment.
By addressing diverse telecom needs, PTA drives digital transformation and enhances service quality across Pakistan, especially in rural and underserved areas. The authority’s focus on evolving market trends and technological advancements supports expanded digital connectivity and inclusivity. Its licensing initiatives, particularly in wireless and FLL categories, align with the growing demand for innovative and reliable telecom services, while IoT LPWAN licenses reflect its commitment to facilitating emerging technologies.
