On March 3, 2026, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) released a consultation draft on class-based licensing for voice services including payphones, premium rate services, and trunked radio. The draft significantly tightens regulations across license validity periods, application fees, market competition, data localization, and security, strengthening oversight of niche voice service providers.
In terms of license validity, the term has been reduced from 15 years to 10 years. Licenses will no longer be automatically renewed; operators must submit renewal applications 30 months prior to expiration, and the PTA reserves the right to directly reject renewal applications from enterprises with serious or repeated violations. The application processing fee has been raised from PKR 5,500 to PKR 20,000, a fourfold increase. Initial license fees and annual license fees remain unchanged, while a 2% late payment penalty will be charged per month for overdue payments, and outstanding fees may be forcibly recovered in the same manner as land tax arrears.
At the market competition level, enterprises are prohibited from cross-subsidizing voice services with revenue from other telecommunications businesses. Each licensed service must maintain independent audited accounts to prevent predatory pricing and market distortion, while unreasonable differential treatment of customers is also banned.
Data and national security rules are the focus of this draft. Strict data localization requirements will be enforced: user information and call detail records (CDRs) are prohibited from being transferred out of the country (including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan regions). All domestic voice traffic may not be routed overseas; remote overseas operation and maintenance access to databases must obtain official approval; and encryption tools and software require prior approval. Operators are required to deploy lawful interception systems compliant with ETSI standards, retain call logs for at least 12 months, and regulatory authorities have the right to conduct on-site inspections of software and hardware.
In terms of operations, enterprises must launch their services within one year after obtaining the license. Network changes involving interconnection and performance require prior approval. Service providers must notify users 90 days in advance and obtain regulatory approval before terminating services.
