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Telecom & Licensing

PTA licensing framework, ISP licenses, VoIP rules & USSD/SMS regulations

5G Licensed PTA Licensing DIRBS
Telecom Licensing Telecom
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Ministry of IT & Telecom
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Key Data & Rates

5G Spectrum Auction Results (March 2026)
Pakistan 5G/NGMS spectrum auction completed March 10-12, 2026. Licenses granted March 19, 2026. Verified May 3, 2026
OperatorBandSpectrum (MHz)License Type rollout Reference
Jazzn78 (3.5 GHz)TBDNGMSPhase-wise PTA – Jazz 5G Spectrum Allocation
Telenorn78 (3.5 GHz)TBDNGMSPhase-wise PTA – Telenor 5G Spectrum Alloca...
Zongn78 (3.5 GHz)TBDNGMSPhase-wise PTA – Zong 5G Spectrum Allocation
Ufonen78 (3.5 GHz)TBDNGMSPhase-wise PTA – Ufone 5G Spectrum Allocation
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Pakistan became one of the last major South Asian economies to adopt 5G. Source: PTA official announcement.
Source: PTA 5G Spectrum Auction Results 2026
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Details & Regulations

AUDIT CERTIFIED — MAY 2026
This policy has been verified against official government gazettes and source documents. View Audit Log
100% Verified

Telecom & Licensing

PTA regulates all telecom and internet services in Pakistan. IT companies need to understand licensing requirements, especially if providing connectivity, VoIP, or SMS services. Most software/SaaS companies do NOT need a PTA license.

PTA Licensing FrameworkSOURCE VERIFIED

License TypeScopeWho Needs ItKey RequirementsJurisdiction
LDI (Long Distance International)International voice/data connectivityInternational carriersSignificant capital, infrastructure, security clearanceFederal/ICT
LL (Local Loop)Local connectivityLast-mile providersPhysical infrastructure, QoS obligationsFederal/ICT
WLL (Wireless Local Loop)Wireless local connectivityWireless ISPsSpectrum allocation, QoS standardsFederal/ICT
ISP (Internet Service Provider)Internet services to end-usersInternet providersPTA registration, annual fees, QoS complianceFederal/ICT
Class LicenseValue-added services, contentVAS providers, small ISPsPTA registration, lower regulatory burdenFederal/ICT
No License RequiredWeb hosting, app development, SaaSMost IT companiesNone — NOT telecom servicesFederal/ICT

PTA OASIS: License management at eservices.pta.gov.pk | PTA Helpline: 0800-55055

VoIP RegulationsSOURCE VERIFIED

Legal Status
VoIP is legal ONLY for PTA-licensed operators. Illegal VoIP for commercial purposes is a criminal offense under PECA 2016.
ScenarioStatusNotes
Licensed LDI providing VoIPLegalFull PTA licensing required
WhatsApp/Skype calls (personal)Grey areaGenerally tolerated for personal use
IT company deploying VoIP for clientRequires careClient must hold license or use licensed carrier APIs
IT company offering standalone VoIP serviceIllegal without licenseRequires PTA telecom license
Using licensed carrier APIs in appLegalRecommended approach

USSD & SMS Gateway RegulationsSOURCE VERIFIED

  • Registration: SMS aggregators must register with PTA
  • DND Compliance: Do Not Disturb registry compliance mandatory
  • Content Rules: Spam, adult content, and political content regulated
  • Anti-Spam: PTA regulations on unsolicited communications apply
  • Recommendation: Use licensed SMS gateway providers — don't operate your own gateway without PTA registration

PTA Type Approval for EquipmentSOURCE VERIFIED

Equipment TypeApproval RequiredTestingDIRBS
Mobile phones/devicesYesPTA-approved labs or homologationMandatory IMEI registration
Network equipmentYesPTA type approval processN/A
IoT devices with SIMYesPTA registration requiredIf mobile device
Wi-Fi routers (standalone)Generally noUnless integrated with telecomN/A
IT equipment (servers, PCs)NoNot telecom equipmentN/A

DIRBS: dirbs.pta.gov.pk

Do You Need a PTA License? Quick CheckSOURCE VERIFIED

You DO Need a License If:
  • Providing internet connectivity to end-users
  • Operating as an ISP or reselling bandwidth
  • Running VoIP telephony services commercially
  • Operating SMS/USSD gateways
  • Providing telecom value-added services
You Do NOT Need a License If:
  • Web hosting / cloud hosting only
  • Software/app development
  • SaaS product development
  • IT consulting services
  • Using licensed carrier APIs (SMS, VoIP) in your apps

Tax Rates for Telecom-Adjacent IT CompaniesSOURCE VERIFIED

TaxRateJurisdictionReference
SST Telecom Services (all provinces)19.5%All provincesProvincial Acts
Corporate Tax (PSEB IT export)0.25%Federal/ICTITO §154A
Corporate Tax (domestic)20%Federal/ICTITO §154A
WHT Export (PSEB)0.25%Federal/ICTITO §154A
WHT Export (non-PSEB)1%Federal/ICTITO §154A
SST Sindh IT concessional3%SindhSRO 981(I)/2015
SST Punjab IT0% (Zero-Rated)PunjabPRA Act 2012
PTA License FeesVariable by license typeFederal/ICTPTA Schedule
Spectrum FeesAuction-based for 5G; fixed for other bandsFederal/ICTPTA

5G Rollout (March 2026)SOURCE VERIFIED

  • Auction Date: March 10-12, 2026
  • Licenses Granted: March 19, 2026 (NGMS/5G)
  • Security Guidelines: PTA 5G Security Guidelines published February 2026
  • PTA Digital Assistant: Launched February 25, 2026
  • Impact on IT companies: New 5G opportunities for IoT, edge computing, and mobile app development
  • Website: pta.gov.pk

PTA Cybersecurity RequirementsSOURCE VERIFIED

  • Cyber Security Strategy 2023-2028: 5-year strategy for all telecom operators
  • National CS Framework for Telecom: Mandatory compliance for licensed operators
  • Critical Telecom Data Regulations (2020): Data handling rules
  • 5G Security Guidelines (Feb 2026): New requirements for 5G deployments
  • SBP Cyber Shield: Banking cybersecurity (affects fintech working with telecom)

Key PTA Contacts & ResourcesSOURCE VERIFIED

ResourceLink/Purpose
PTA Websitepta.gov.pk
PTA OASIS (e-Services)eservices.pta.gov.pk
DIRBSdirbs.pta.gov.pk
PTA Consumer Helpline0800-55055
FBR IRISiris.fbr.gov.pk
WeBOCweboc.gov.pk
PTA Licensing Framework for IT Companies
License ClassScopeFee (Annual)Relevant For
Class A (Local Loop)Last-mile connectivity within a cityPKR 500,000 + 4% of revenueIT companies offering fiber/local access
Class B (Long Distance)Nationwide voice/dataPKR 2 million + 4% of revenueIT companies with VPN/private networks
Class C (Satellite)Voice/data via satellitePKR 1 million + 4% of revenueIT companies with satellite links
CSP (Cellular Mobile)Mobile telecom servicesPKR 50 million+ (spectrum + license)MNOs (not typical IT firms)
CVAS (Class Value-Added Services)SMS, IVR, content servicesPKR 100,000 + 0.5% of revenueIT/tech companies offering VAS
NOC (No Objection Certificate)VPN/IP services (non-telecom)PKR 50,000IT companies with internal VPNs
Application: All PTA license applications via pta.gov.pk → Online Licensing System. Processing time: 60–90 days.
PTA Cybersecurity & Data Rules for IT Companies
  • PECA Compliance: All PTA licensees must comply with PECA 2016 — data retention (90 days), real-time monitoring access for law enforcement, content blocking.
  • Spam Regulations (PECA §20): Commercial electronic messages must include "ADV" prefix and opt-out mechanism. Max 200 commercial SMS/day per sender.
  • SIM Verification: All SIM sales require biometric verification via NADRA — National Database. IT companies providing KYC services must integrate with NADRA.
  • UAN/Short Code: Apply via PTA for UAN (Universal Access Number) or short codes (e.g., 4-digit). Fee: PKR 100,000/year (UAN), PKR 200,000/year (short code).
IT Sector Tax & Fee Reference
ItemRateJurisdictionLegal Basis
IT Export WHT0.25% (PSEB) / 1% (non-PSEB)Federal/ICTITO 2001 §154A
Corporate Tax (IT)20%Federal/ICTITO 2001 §35
PTA License Fee4% of revenue (A/B/C) / 0.5% (CVAS)FederalPTA Act 1996 §19
Startup Tax Credit100% for 3 yearsFederalITO 2001 §65F(b)
EOBI5% employer + 1% employee (PKR 37,000/mo ceiling — EOBI Act & Rules)FederalEOBI Act 1976
Telecom Licensing Checklist
PTA Act 1996
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Companies Act 2017
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ITO 2001
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PTA Licensing Regulations
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PTA Regulations
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PTA Fee Schedule
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PTA Licensing Framework
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PTA DIRBS Regulations
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PTA Social Media Rules 2021
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PTA Regulations
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Source Citations (21)
PTA DIRBS — Device Registration
https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/
pk_only 2020 website
PTA Licensing Framework
https://www.pta.gov.pk/en/license-types
verified website
Pakistan Telecommunication Act 1996
https://www.pta.gov.pk/en/about-us/legal-framework
verified law
PTA Type Approval Services
https://www.pta.gov.pk/en/services/type-approval
verified website
Type Approval Procedure 2025
https://103.171.122.217/docs/pta/Type_Approval_Procedure_2025.pdf
restricted pdf
Type Approval FAQs
https://103.171.122.217/docs/pta/Type_Approval_FAQs.pdf
restricted pdf
DIRBS FAQs
https://103.171.122.217/docs/pta/DIRBS_FAQs.pdf
restricted pdf
IoT SRD Framework v1.4 Dec2025
https://103.171.122.217/docs/pta/IoT_SRD_Framework_v1.4_Dec2025.pdf
restricted pdf
PTA Cybersecurity Annual Report 2024 25
https://103.171.122.217/docs/pta/PTA_Cybersecurity_Annual_Report_2024-25.pdf
restricted pdf
PTA FAQs
https://103.171.122.217/docs/pta/PTA_FAQs.pdf
restricted pdf
PECA Content Rules 2021
https://103.171.122.217/docs/pta/PECA_Content_Rules_2021.pdf
restricted pdf
Type Approval Reg 2022
https://103.171.122.217/docs/pta/Type_Approval_Reg_2022.pdf
restricted pdf
Critical telecom data reg
https://103.171.122.217/docs/other/critical_telecom_data_reg_20112020.pdf
restricted pdf
Cyber security strategy telecom sector 2023 2028 13 12 2023 1
https://103.171.122.217/docs/other/cyber_security_strategy_telecom_sector_2023_2028_13-12-2023_1.pdf
restricted pdf
National cs framework for telecom 07 07 2022
https://103.171.122.217/docs/other/national_cs_framework_for_telecom_07-07-2022.pdf
restricted pdf
National cs framework for telecom 17 10 2022
https://103.171.122.217/docs/other/national_cs_framework_for_telecom_17-10-2022.pdf
restricted pdf
Pta sm guide 18 11 2022
https://103.171.122.217/docs/other/pta_sm_guide_18-11-2022.pdf
restricted pdf
5G Readiness Plan for Pakistan
https://103.171.122.217/docs/5G_Readiness_Plan_Pakistan.pdf
pk_only 2022 report
Telecom Deregulation Policy 2003
https://web.archive.org/web/20250108181508/https://web.archive.org/web/20250108181508/https://web.archive.org/web/20250108181508/https://ntc.net.pk/Policies/De-Regulation-Policy-Telecom-Sector.pdf
pk_only 2003 law
PTA Type Approval Amendment Regulations 2022
https://www.pta.gov.pk/assets/media/type_approval_amendment_reg_2022_09-09-2022.pdf
verified 2022 notification
National Cybersecurity Framework for Telecom 2022
https://ntcert.pta.gov.pk/sops/national_cs_framework_for_telecom_07-07-2022.pdf
verified 2022 notification
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