The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has proposed a new licensing and registration framework for Internet of Things (IoT) services, under which companies operating certain networks could face an initial licence fee of Rs. 100,000.
The proposed Internet of Things and Low Power Wide Area Networks (IoT-LPWAN) Licensing Regulations 2026 outline separate requirements for businesses providing IoT connectivity, operating private networks and offering related digital platforms and applications.
Under the proposed rules, IoT operations will fall into three categories: licence-exempt services, registered services and licensed operations.
Companies intending to provide LPWAN connectivity and related services to third parties, including end users, will need to obtain a PTA licence. The proposed licence will be valid for five years, and applications will be submitted through the authority’s online system.
The draft sets an initial licence fee of Rs. 100,000 for LPWAN operators, along with a non-refundable application processing fee of Rs. 5,000.
Separate registration requirements will apply to private IoT networks and companies providing IoT platforms or applications. Both categories will carry an initial registration fee of Rs. 10,000 and a processing fee of Rs. 5,000. Their registrations will remain valid for five years.
The proposed framework also includes a regulatory sandbox category for organisations conducting IoT research, development, testing and trials. Registration under this category will cost Rs. 2,000, with an additional processing fee of Rs. 1,000. The registration will remain valid for one year.
The draft regulations require licensed operators to launch their services within one year after the rules take effect and obtain a commencement certificate from PTA. Failure to meet this requirement could result in licence cancellation, although the authority may grant an extension of up to six months.
The proposed framework also makes gateway registration mandatory for licensed operators and requires them to submit quarterly reports covering their active IoT connections and gateways.
All operators will also have to comply with applicable spectrum regulations. Existing LPWAN licensees will be given 90 days after the regulations come into force to register their gateways.
The proposed framework is intended to establish a formal regulatory structure for IoT and LPWAN services in Pakistan.
