The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has approved a new licensing framework that will allow Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) to launch mobile services in Pakistan without building their own telecom networks.

Issued under the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996, the framework enables MVNOs to provide voice, data, and next-generation mobile services through commercial agreements with existing Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). Instead of deploying their own infrastructure, MVNOs will use the networks and spectrum of licensed operators.

The new operators will be allowed to operate under their own brand names, design their own service packages, and manage customer care, billing, and marketing independently. However, they will not be permitted to build radio access or core networks, nor will they receive spectrum directly from PTA.

The MVNO licence will be valid for 15 years and carries an initial fee of $140,000. Licensees will also be required to pay annual regulatory charges, including licence fees, Universal Service Fund (USF) contributions, and Research and Development (R&D) Fund contributions based on their gross annual revenues.

PTA has also imposed strict compliance requirements. MVNOs must provide access to emergency services, retain call data records for one year, comply with cybersecurity and national security regulations, enable lawful interception capabilities, and activate SIMs only after mandatory customer verification.

The framework also introduces quality-of-service benchmarks covering call completion rates, network availability, complaint handling, and minimum 4G and 5G data performance standards. PTA said the new regime is intended to increase competition, improve service quality, and expand consumer choice in Pakistan’s telecom market.