PTA Proposes 10-Year Radio Licences and Online Applications Under New Rules

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has proposed a new licensing framework for radio-based communication services in Pakistan. The draft Radio Based Services (RBS) Licensing Regulations, 2026, aim to simplify applications, standardize licence categories, and strengthen compliance requirements for radio equipment and spectrum use.

Under the proposal, most licences would remain valid for 10 years. Applicants would also be able to submit applications electronically, while the PTA would aim to communicate decisions on complete applications within 15 working days, provided the required formalities have been completed.

The proposed framework has been circulated for public comments. It should therefore be treated as a draft rather than a final set of regulations already in effect.

Four Categories of Radio Licences Proposed

The draft regulations propose four main licensing categories covering private radio networks, aircraft mobile stations, maritime mobile stations, and amateur radio operators. A separate junior category would also be available for eligible younger amateur radio enthusiasts.

The framework is intended to cover a wide range of radio-based communication applications, including wireless networks, trunking systems, microwave links, telemetry, weather radars, and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.

These technologies are used in different sectors, including industry, transportation, infrastructure, and specialized communications.

Online Applications and Processing Deadlines

One of the key changes is the proposed move toward electronic application processing through the PTA's online system.

Under the draft procedure, the authority would examine an application for completeness within seven working days. If information or documents were missing, the applicant would be notified and given 15 days to address each set of deficiencies.

Applications could be returned for corrections no more than three times under the proposed process.

For complete applications, the PTA would communicate its decision within 15 working days. This timeframe would remain subject to the completion of required formalities. Private radio network applications would also depend on the necessary spectrum assignment from the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB).

Private radio network applicants would first need to obtain a radio-frequency spectrum assignment through the FAB portal before applying for the relevant PTA licence.

Proposed Licence Duration and Renewal Requirements

Most licences under the proposed framework would have a validity period of 10 years. Junior amateur radio licences would have a shorter five-year term.

Applicants seeking renewal would generally need to apply at least three months before their licence expires. Applications involving spectrum revalidation would require an application at least six months before expiry.

The draft also proposes a streamlined renewal arrangement for private radio network licensees who apply on time, clear outstanding dues, and request renewal without changing their existing network parameters when the FAB has not completed spectrum revalidation before the licence expires. Such renewal would remain subject to subsequent spectrum revalidation.

Proposed Radio Licence Fees

The draft outlines different fees depending on the licence category and type of service.

Proposed charges include:

• Application processing fee: Rs. 5,000, non-refundable.
• Initial licence fee: Rs. 10,000, where applicable.
• Amateur radio licence: Rs. 2,000 for a 10-year term.
• Junior amateur radio licence: No licence fee.
• Aircraft mobile station licence: Rs. 100,000 for the full licence term.
• Maritime mobile station licence: Rs. 100,000 for the full licence term.
• Inmarsat terminal aboard an aircraft or vessel: An additional Rs. 250,000 for the licence term.

Private radio network charges would be calculated using a formula that takes into account factors such as the base price, frequency band, number of assigned frequencies, bandwidth, equipment output power, and location.

The proposed calculation would distinguish between urban, suburban, and rural areas, with higher location factors for more urbanized locations.

These figures are proposed under the draft regulations and could change before any final rules are adopted.

Equipment Approval and Compliance Requirements

The PTA also proposes mandatory type approval for radio equipment, subject to specified exemptions for equipment installed aboard aircraft or vessels and certified by the relevant aviation or maritime authorities.

Licensees would be required to operate within their authorized frequencies, output power limits, and technical parameters. These conditions are intended to reduce unauthorized spectrum use and harmful interference with other radio services.

The authority would retain the power to inspect licensed radio equipment. Inspections would generally involve prior notice, although the draft allows inspections without notice where there is a reasonable concern about harmful interference, unauthorized spectrum use, or a national security threat.

The proposal also allows the PTA to refuse a licence if granting it could threaten national security.

Eligibility Rules for Amateur Radio Operators

The proposed regulations set specific conditions for amateur radio licences.

Applicants for standard amateur radio licences would need to be at least 18 years old, hold valid membership in the Pakistan Amateur Radio Society, and provide a police clearance certificate.

Applicants aged 14 to under 18 could qualify for junior amateur radio licences, subject to sponsorship and parental or institutional consent.

The junior category would provide a separate licensing route for younger enthusiasts while maintaining eligibility and oversight requirements.

What Happens to Existing Licence Holders?

Under the draft, existing licensees would have six months from the regulations taking effect to register their licence details through the PTA's online system. The proposed registration would not carry a fee.

Existing licences would continue under their current terms until they expire. This provision is intended to provide a transition period for existing licensees rather than immediately replacing their current licence conditions.

What the Proposed Rules Mean for Pakistan

If adopted, the new framework could make radio licensing more standardized and accessible by moving applications online, defining processing timelines, and setting clearer rules for licence duration, fees, and equipment compliance.

Businesses operating private radio networks, organizations using specialized radio equipment, aircraft and maritime operators, and amateur radio enthusiasts could all be affected by the proposed categories and requirements.

However, applicants should wait for the final regulations and official implementation details before treating the proposed fees, deadlines, and eligibility conditions as confirmed requirements.

The next important step is the PTA's consideration of public feedback and the finalization of the regulations.