The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has granted Internet of Things (IoT) licenses to 23 companies, signaling a major push toward expanding Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and enabling next-generation connectivity.
To support this growth, the regulator has introduced Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) licensing specifically designed for IoT-based services. This framework is expected to unlock new possibilities in smart technologies across multiple industries, while attracting growing interest from both domestic and international tech players.
The licensing system is aimed at enabling diverse applications such as smart city development, industrial automation, environmental tracking, precision farming, intelligent logistics, and modern energy management solutions. PTA officials say the structured rollout is intended to ensure secure, scalable, and interference-free IoT connectivity through regulated spectrum use, helping Pakistan integrate more deeply into the global digital economy.
PTA first opened applications for IoT licensing in May 2022, laying the groundwork for a nationwide IoT ecosystem under a formal regulatory structure. Through its Class Licensing regime, companies can apply via an online portal under defined technical standards, approved frequency bands, and operational guidelines for IoT LPWAN services.
To ensure compliance and performance standards, PTA has carried out field inspections and evaluations of licensed operators. These assessments have led to recommendations aimed at improving network efficiency and supporting long-term sustainable deployment. The authority has also released a consultation paper on short-range devices and terrestrial IoT frameworks, seeking input from industry stakeholders to refine future regulations.
Under the current framework, IoT licenses are issued for 10 years at the district level, with an initial fee of Rs. 300,000 and an annual renewal fee of Rs. 100,000. LPWAN operators are required to use designated frequency bands, including 865–868 MHz, and must comply with strict data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity standards.
