Key Takeaways
- The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has notified the Telecommunication Equipment Standards Regulations, 2024.
- Compliance with prescribed technical standards is now mandatory for all telecom equipment in the country.
- The regulations aim to promote global compatibility, improve service standards, and support local manufacturing.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued new regulations mandating compliance with technical standards for telecom equipment. These standards, notified through the Gazette of Pakistan under S.R.O. 1110(I)/2026, apply to all PTA licensees, manufacturers, and importers of telecommunication equipment.
Issued under Section 28 of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996, the regulations require that all telecom equipment meet specific technical standards, including Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), Radio Frequency (RF), health and safety, and other applicable specifications.
A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) issued by the PTA is now mandatory before any equipment can be imported, deployed, or put into operational use. This ensures that all equipment meets the required standards before it is used in the country’s telecommunications network.
The regulations were developed following extensive consultations with industry representatives, including importers, licensees, manufacturers, and vendors. The PTA stated that the framework aims to promote global compatibility and interoperability, improve service standards, and encourage local manufacturing.
According to the PTA, the new regulations will also support national economic growth and strengthen Pakistan’s telecommunications ecosystem. The authority believes that these measures will help support technological advancement in the sector and ensure that the country’s telecommunications infrastructure remains up-to-date and reliable.
The PTA emphasized that the regulations are designed to ensure that all telecom equipment in the country meets the highest standards of quality and safety, thereby enhancing the overall service experience for consumers and businesses alike.
