ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued nearly 300 district-level Class Licenses to telecom and internet service providers as part of efforts to improve broadband access, fiber connectivity and digital services across the country.
According to PTA officials, a large number of these licenses have been issued in districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to enable smaller and local operators to expand internet services beyond major urban centers.
The district-level licensing framework, introduced on January 1, 2026, allows companies to provide internet services within specific districts instead of requiring province-wide or nationwide licenses. The initiative aims to encourage local investment and improve broadband access in underserved areas.
Each Class License is valid for 10 years. The initial license fee is Rs300,000, while the annual fee for the first year is Rs100,000. The application processing fee is Rs20,000, with the annual license fee increasing by 10% in subsequent years.
License holders are required to start providing services within one year of obtaining the license. According to the PTA, the initiative is expected to accelerate fiber deployment, improve last-mile connectivity and expand internet availability in remote districts.
Earlier this year, similar licenses were issued in several districts, including Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Islamabad, Attock, South Waziristan and Lower Chitral.
The PTA says the district-level licensing model is aimed at lowering entry barriers for smaller operators and promoting greater competition in Pakistan’s broadband market.
