Key Takeaways
- Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) proposes 10-year radio licences and online application processing.
- New rules include four categories of licences for private radio networks, aircraft, maritime, and amateur operators.
- Licence renewal requires timely application and payment of fees based on network parameters and location.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has proposed a new licensing framework for radio-based communication services, introducing a 10-year licence term and online application processing.
Under the draft Radio Based Services (RBS) Licensing Regulations, 2026, the PTA has proposed four categories of licences, covering private radio networks, aircraft mobile stations, maritime mobile stations, and amateur radio operators, including a separate category for junior operators.
The proposed framework requires applicants to submit applications electronically through the PTA’s online system, with private radio network applicants needing to obtain radio-frequency spectrum assignment through the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) portal before applying for a licence.
The PTA would examine applications for completeness within seven working days and communicate any deficiencies to applicants, who would have 15 days to address each set of deficiencies, with applications allowed to be returned for corrections no more than three times.
The authority would communicate its decision on a complete application within 15 working days, subject to completion of the required formalities and, in the case of private radio networks, assignment of spectrum by FAB.
Licences would generally remain valid for 10 years, while junior amateur radio licences would have a five-year term. Applicants seeking renewal would have to apply at least three months before expiry, while spectrum revalidation cases would require an application at least six months before expiry.
The proposed fee structure includes a non-refundable application processing fee of Rs5,000 and an initial licence fee of Rs10,000, where applicable. Amateur radio licences would carry a charge of Rs2,000 for 10 years, while junior amateur radio licences would be issued without fees.
Aircraft and maritime mobile station licences would each carry charges of Rs100,000 for the complete licence term. An Inmarsat terminal installed aboard an aircraft or vessel would attract an additional charge of Rs250,000 for the licence term.
For private radio networks, annual charges would be calculated using a formula incorporating the base price, frequency band, number of assigned frequencies, bandwidth, equipment output power and location factor. The proposed structure would distinguish between urban, suburban and rural areas, with higher location factors applying to more urbanised areas.
The draft also makes type approval mandatory for radio equipment, subject to specified exemptions for equipment installed aboard aircraft or vessels and certified by the relevant aviation or maritime authorities.
