PTA Shares Rules to New Internet Tech in Pakistan

For context, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has proposed a one-year trial period for firms and organizations that want to test Internet of Things (IoT) technology in Pakistan.

Key points

• Under the proposal, IoT operators will have to route all backend traffic, including satellite connections, through a Local Access Provider (LAP) licensed by the PTA.
• The proposed registration will remain valid for one year and cover networks set up within a single premises for testing and research purposes.
• The draft regulations additionally introduce conditions for businesses using satellite connections and other services to transfer data between their network equipment.
• Applicants will additionally have to identify the licensed provider responsible for connecting their network gateways with their central network servers.
• The proposed rules cover IoT and LPWAN services throughout Pakistan and establish separate categories for licensed services, registered operations and exempt activities.

Under its draft IoT and Low Power Wide Area Networks (IoT-LPWAN) Licensing Regulations 2026, the regulator has proposed a special registration category for research, development and testing of connected devices and networks. 6 Satellite Internet Firms Register in Pakistan.

For context, the proposed registration will remain valid for one year and cover networks set up within a single premises for testing and research purposes.

Applicants will have to pay an initial registration fee of Rs. 2, 000 and a non-refundable application processing fee of Rs. 1, 000. They will additionally need to submit technical details and other required documents through the PTA's online system.

Meanwhile, the draft regulations additionally introduce conditions for businesses using satellite connections and other services to transfer data between their network equipment.

PTA has cautioned that using an unlicensed provider for this connectivity could result in cancellation of the relevant licence or registration.

In practice, the proposed rules cover IoT and LPWAN services throughout Pakistan and establish separate categories for licensed services, registered operations and exempt activities. PTA Sets Rs. 1 Lac Internet Firm Fee.

In practice, the regulations will take effect after their publication in the official gazette.

For context, the proposed one-year trial category is intended to allow organisations to test new connected-device technologies in a controlled environment before moving towards commercial operations. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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Taken together, the developments around PTA Shares Rules to New Internet Tech in Pakistan point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.