The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has proposed a new licensing framework for Internet of Things (IoT) services, setting an initial licence fee of Rs100,000 for companies seeking to operate Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN).
PTA has introduced the draft Internet of Things and Low Power Wide Area Networks (IoT-LPWAN) Licensing Regulations 2026, which outline separate licensing and registration requirements for businesses offering IoT connectivity, private networks and related digital services.
Under the proposed framework, IoT services will be divided into three categories: licence-exempt operations, registration and licensing.
Companies providing LPWAN connectivity to third parties, including consumers, will be required to obtain a PTA licence. The licence will remain valid for five years.
Applicants will also have to pay a non-refundable processing fee of Rs5,000 in addition to the initial licence fee of Rs100,000.
The draft regulations propose lower charges for businesses operating private IoT networks and providing IoT platforms or applications.
Both categories will have to pay an initial registration fee of Rs10,000, along with a processing fee of Rs5,000. Their registrations will also remain valid for five years.
This registration will cost Rs2,000, with an additional processing fee of Rs1,000, and remain valid for one year.
Under the proposed rules, licensed companies will have to begin providing services within one year of the regulations taking effect.
They will also need to obtain a commencement certificate from the PTA. Failure to meet the requirement could result in licence cancellation, although the regulator may grant an extension of up to six months.
Licensed operators will be required to register their network gateways and submit quarterly reports detailing active IoT connections and gateways.
Existing LPWAN licence holders will have 90 days from the enforcement of the new regulations to register their gateways.
The proposed framework aims to establish a regulatory structure for IoT and LPWAN services in Pakistan. The requirements and fees remain subject to the finalisation and enforcement of the regulations.
