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Pakistan has taken a significant step toward liberalizing its telecom sector with the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) licensing framework forwarded to the federal cabinet for final approval. The move is aimed at encouraging investment, boosting competition, and preparing the country for the launch of 5G services next year.
The Ministry of Information Technology has submitted the MVNO licensing framework to the federal cabinet, signaling a key development in Pakistan’s telecom market. The framework, pending with the ministry for nearly a year, has now cleared legal vetting by the Ministry of Law and Justice and is ready for cabinet approval.
A major feature of the new policy is the sharp reduction in license fees, from USD 5 million to USD 140,000, making it more attractive for investors. The license tenure has also been extended to 15 years, providing long-term certainty for new entrants.
Under the framework, MVNOs will lease network capacity from existing mobile operators while independently managing branding, marketing, and customer services. All commercial agreements will require Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) approval, ensuring regulatory oversight.
Officials expect the introduction of MVNOs to increase competition, diversify telecom services, and strengthen investment flows. Additionally, it will support telecom operators in preparing for 5G, as companies acquiring new spectrum can lease extra capacity to MVNOs. Once cabinet approval is granted, PTA will begin accepting applications and issuing licenses, marking a major step toward Pakistan’s next-generation mobile technology.
