PTA Approves 21 New Internet Providers to Expand Services Across Pakistan

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued 21 district-level licenses for the provision of internet services, marking a step toward expanding broadband access across the country.

The move is part of the Broadband Policy 2004, with the initiative officially starting from January 1, 2026. It is aimed at encouraging local entrepreneurship and improving internet penetration in underserved areas.

Under the licensing framework, the district-level class license allows operators to provide internet services within a single district, with one license issued per entity. Each license is valid for 10 years, providing long-term operational certainty for service providers. The initiative is intended to lower entry barriers for smaller regional players and promote competition in the telecom sector.

The fee structure includes an application processing fee of Rs. 20,000 and an initial license fee of Rs. 300,000. License holders must also pay an annual fee of Rs. 100,000, which will increase by 10 percent each year. These requirements are designed to keep the process accessible for new entrants while maintaining regulatory compliance and sustainability.

PTA has set rollout obligations for license holders. Operators are required to start services within one year of receiving the license and must provide at least 100 broadband connections within one year of obtaining the commencement certificate.

For operations, bandwidth can be sourced from PTCL, Long Distance and International (LDI) licensees, or Local Loop (LL) licensees. Multiple options are also available for developing last-mile infrastructure.

According to PTA, a total of 62 applications were received for district-level internet licenses. Out of these, 21 have been approved so far, while the remaining applications are still under review.