PTA Issues IoT Licenses To 23 New Companies in Pakistan

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has issued Internet of Things (IoT) licenses to 23 companies, marking a significant step toward accelerating Pakistan’s digital transformation and expanding next-generation connectivity infrastructure.

The regulator has introduced Low Power Wide Area Network licensing dedicated to IoT applications, creating new opportunities for advanced technologies across multiple sectors.

The move highlights rising interest from both local and international stakeholders in Pakistan’s growing digital ecosystem.

The licensing framework supports a broad range of use cases, including smart cities, industrial automation, environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, smart logistics, and energy management. PTA aims to ensure secure, scalable, and interference-free connectivity through regulated IoT spectrum allocation.

This structured approach will help position Pakistan as an innovation-driven participant in the global digital economy.

PTA began accepting applications for IoT licenses in May 2022, establishing a formal process to expand IoT infrastructure across the country. Under the Class Licensing regime, companies can apply through the PTA online portal in line with the IoT LPWAN License framework, which defines technical requirements, authorized frequency bands, and operational guidelines for service providers.

To strengthen regulatory oversight, PTA has conducted field surveys and inspections of licensed operators. These assessments have resulted in targeted proposals aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring sustainable deployment of IoT networks.

The authority has also issued a consultation paper on the Framework for Short Range Devices and Terrestrial IoT, inviting feedback from industry stakeholders to refine its regulatory policies.

The licensing structure includes a 10-year district-level internet services license with an initial fee of Rs. 300,000 and an annual fee of Rs. 100,000. LPWAN licenses require compliance with designated frequency bands such as 865 to 868 MHz, along with strict adherence to data management, privacy, and security regulations.