The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has proposed a one-year registration period for companies and organisations that want to test Internet of Things (IoT) technology in Pakistan.

Under its draft Internet of Things and Low Power Wide Area Networks (IoT-LPWAN) Licensing Regulations 2026, the regulator plans to introduce a separate category for research, development and testing of IoT networks.

The proposed registration will remain valid for one year and will cover networks established within a single premises for testing and research purposes.

Applicants will have to pay Rs. 2,000 as a registration fee and a non-refundable processing fee of Rs. 1,000. They will also need to submit technical information and other required documents through the PTA’s online system.

The draft regulations also set conditions for companies using satellite connections to transfer data between their network equipment.

Under the proposed rules, IoT operators will have to route all backend traffic, including satellite backhaul, through a Local Access Provider (LAP) licensed by the PTA.

Applicants will also have to identify the licensed provider responsible for connecting their network gateways with their central network servers.

The PTA has proposed cancellation of a licence or registration if an operator uses an unlicensed provider for this connectivity.

The draft framework covers IoT and LPWAN services across Pakistan and establishes separate categories for licensed services, registered operations and exempt activities.

The proposed regulations will take effect after publication in the official gazette.