The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued 47 district-level Class Licenses for Internet Services during the first half of 2026, marking a major push to expand broadband access through locally operated internet service providers (ISPs).

The licensing drive accelerated during the year, with 20 licenses issued in June, 14 in May, 12 in March, and one in February, reflecting growing interest in PTA’s newly introduced district-based licensing framework.

June recorded the highest number of approvals, including a single-day issuance of nine licenses on June 8. The first district-level license of the year was granted to Multilink Communications on February 11 for operations in Attock.

Punjab accounted for the largest share of new licenses. Lahore led with seven approvals, followed by Sargodha with five, while Faisalabad and Islamabad each received four.

The initiative also extended internet licensing to underserved regions, including South Waziristan and Lower Chitral, supporting broadband expansion beyond major cities.

PTA introduced district-level internet licenses on January 1, 2026, under a revised regulatory framework designed to lower entry barriers for small and medium-sized ISPs. Unlike previous licensing models that covered wider regions or nationwide operations, the new framework allows operators to obtain licenses for individual districts at a lower cost.

The licenses are valid for 10 years and form part of PTA’s strategy to improve digital inclusion, strengthen last-mile connectivity, encourage local investment, and increase competition in Pakistan’s broadband market. The regulator expects the initiative to enhance internet penetration, create employment opportunities, and accelerate digital connectivity, particularly in rural and remote areas.