The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a draft consultation for the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) license, aimed at boosting competition and innovation in the country’s telecom sector. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback within 14 days, with April 22, 2026, set as the deadline. The draft aligns with the existing MVNO policy framework and is now open for industry review before finalization.

Under the proposed rules, MVNOs can provide mobile services across Pakistan, excluding Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, by partnering with licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). Unlike traditional operators, MVNOs will not receive spectrum allocations, instead utilizing the infrastructure and spectrum of the parent MNOs. They will, however, be able to operate under their own brand names, design customized services, and manage their own customer support and billing systems.

The draft sets financial obligations including an initial license fee of $140,000 and annual contributions such as:

• 0.5% of gross revenue as an annual license fee
• 1.5% contribution to the Universal Service Fund
• 0.5% contribution to the Research & Development Fund

Licenses will be valid for 15 years, with renewal subject to regulatory approval. Operators are expected to launch services within 12 months of receiving the license.

MVNOs will also need to comply with strict operational, security, and regulatory requirements. These include mandatory emergency service access, adherence to quality-of-service standards, lawful interception capabilities, one-year data retention, SIM verification, and ensuring customer data privacy. The PTA will continue to oversee tariffs, service quality, and consumer protection.

Experts believe the MVNO licensing framework will increase competition, expand service options, and encourage investment in value-added services, local telecom manufacturing, and research & development, while maintaining robust regulatory oversight. By allowing new players to utilize existing network infrastructure, the policy lowers barriers to entry and opens the door to innovative telecom solutions.