The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has begun granting district-level Class Licenses for Internet Services starting January 1, 2026, across the country.
The licenses are issued under Broadband Policy 2004, aiming to encourage local entrepreneurship and significantly improve broadband penetration at the district level.
Each license applies exclusively to a single district, restricted to one entity, and remains valid for ten years, ensuring structured regulation and sustainable broadband service expansion.
Fee Structure
Applicants must pay a processing fee of Rs.20,000, an initial license fee of Rs.300,000, and an annual fee of Rs.100,000, increasing ten percent yearly throughout the license duration.
As per details issued by the PTA, license holders must commence internet services within one year from the date their license is officially issued by the authority.
Within one year of receiving a commencement certificate, providers must establish at least one hundred active broadband connections in their district.
Bandwidth and Infrastructure
Bandwidth must be acquired from PTCL, Long Distance and International licensees, or Local Loop licensees as approved by the authority.
Last-mile infrastructure can be sourced from Local Loop or Infrastructure licensees, or through a Cable TV Distribution License issued by PEMRA.
Providers may also lay their own transport infrastructure, provided they demonstrate a three-month failure to obtain it from existing operators and receive prior PTA approval.
Application Status
A total of sixty-two applications have been received by PTA for the Class License for Internet Services at the district level across Pakistan.
Out of sixty-two total applications received, PTA has formally approved and granted licenses to twenty-one applicants so far nationwide.
The remaining forty-one applications are currently under evaluation by the authority, with decisions expected to follow in due course.
