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In a major policy shift, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is moving to accelerate the country’s digital infrastructure. The Authority has proposed strict rollout obligations for Telecommunication Infrastructure Provider (TIP) licensees. Notably, regulators have never applied such requirements to this category of operators before.
The decision follows a recent PTA review of the TIP landscape. The findings revealed significant underperformance. Out of 24 license holders, only 14 have deployed optical fibre networks. Furthermore, just six operators have laid more than 300 kilometres of fibre.
Regulators argue that this lack of activity undermines national broadband targets. Consequently, it falls short of the public-interest expectations outlined in the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Act, 1996. The PTA believes mandatory rollout targets will curb dormant licensees and boost investment. This ensures TIP operators play a measurable role in Pakistan’s push toward nationwide fiberization and resilient telecom networks.
New PTA Deployment Benchmarks
Under the new proposal, TIP licensees must meet minimum annual deployment benchmarks. These obligations cover four major infrastructure categories:
- Earth stations/satellite hubs
- Optical fibre cable
- Towers and radio links
- Submarine cable landing stations
The draft rollout matrix sets specific year-by-year obligations. For example, operators may need to deploy 60 km of fibre annually or install 10 towers/radio links each year. Additionally, for international gateways, licensees must secure permits, establish landing stations, and commence operations within a defined timeline.
With national connectivity goals intensifying and data demand surging, these reforms could reshape how telecom infrastructure is deployed across the country. It compels operators to move from holding licenses to delivering actual infrastructure.
The Authority has now opened a public consultation. It seeks feedback on whether it should enforce rollout targets and if the proposed obligations are appropriate. Additionally, the regulator invites stakeholders to offer alternative rollout plans using the provided format. Ultimately, these responses will guide the final framework for future and potentially existing TIP licenses.
