PTA Proposes 10-Year Radio Licences with Online Processing Under New Draft Regulations
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has proposed a new licensing framework for radio-based communication services in the country, under which PTA radio licences would be issued for a 10-year term, processed entirely online and decided within a fixed timeline of 15 working days. The proposal is part of the draft Radio Based Services (RBS) Licensing Regulations, 2026, which the regulator has circulated for public comments before final approval.
The draft seeks to standardise how radio licences are issued for wireless communication networks, trunking systems, microwave links, telemetry, weather radars and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. Alongside the longer licence term and digital processing, the proposed PTA radio licences framework tightens eligibility, equipment and compliance requirements for operators.
Four licence categories proposed
Under the draft RBS Licensing Regulations, 2026, the PTA has outlined four licence categories covering private radio networks, aircraft mobile stations, maritime mobile stations and amateur radio operators, including a separate category for junior amateur operators. The structure is designed to cover everything from corporate private networks and aviation communication to hobbyist radio operators under one standardised licensing procedure for radio-based services.
Online applications and a 15-day decision deadline
One of the biggest changes in the proposed PTA radio licences regime is the move to fully digital processing. Applicants would submit their applications electronically through the PTA’s online system. Those seeking licences for private radio networks would first need to obtain radio-frequency spectrum assignment through the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) portal before applying for a licence.
The PTA would examine applications for completeness within seven working days and communicate any deficiencies to applicants. Applicants would then have 15 days to address each set of deficiencies, with applications allowed to be returned for corrections no more than three times. Once an application is complete and the required formalities are fulfilled, the authority would communicate its decision within 15 working days, subject to spectrum assignment by FAB in the case of private radio networks. The fixed timeline is one of the headline features of the new PTA radio licences regime.
Licence duration and proposed fees
Most PTA radio licences would remain valid for 10 years under the draft rules, while junior amateur radio licences would have a five-year term. Applicants seeking renewal would have to apply at least three months before expiry, while cases involving spectrum revalidation would require an application at least six months before expiry.
The proposed fee structure includes a non-refundable application processing fee of Rs5,000 and an initial licence fee of Rs10,000, where applicable. Amateur radio licences would carry a charge of Rs2,000 for 10 years, while junior amateur radio licences would be issued without any fee. Aircraft and maritime mobile station licences would each carry charges of Rs100,000 for the complete licence term, and an Inmarsat terminal installed aboard an aircraft or vessel would attract an additional charge of Rs250,000 for the licence term.
For private radio networks, annual charges would be calculated using a formula incorporating the base price, frequency band, number of assigned frequencies, bandwidth, equipment output power and location factor. The proposed structure would distinguish between urban, suburban and rural areas, with higher location factors applying to more urbanised areas.
Equipment rules and national security powers
The draft makes type approval mandatory for radio equipment under the new PTA radio licences regime, 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 authorised frequencies, output power and technical parameters.
The PTA would retain the power to refuse a licence where its grant could threaten national security. It would also be authorised to inspect licensed radio equipment with prior notice, while inspections without notice could be conducted where there is a reasonable apprehension of harmful interference, unauthorised spectrum use or a national security threat.
New requirements for amateur radio operators
For amateur radio operators, the proposed rules set the minimum age at 18 years, require valid membership of the Pakistan Amateur Radio Society and make a police clearance certificate mandatory. Applicants aged 14 to under 18 could qualify for junior licences with sponsorship and parental or institutional consent, opening the hobby to younger enthusiasts under supervision.
Existing licensees get six months to register online
Under the draft regulations, existing licensees would be required to register their licence particulars on the PTA’s online system within six months of the regulations taking effect, without any registration fee. Their existing licences would remain valid on their current terms until expiry, so current operators do not need to take any immediate action.
What happens next
It is important to note that the proposed PTA radio licences framework is still at the draft stage and has been circulated for public feedback. The rules are not yet in force. Stakeholders, industry players and interested citizens can submit their comments before the PTA finalises the regulations and notifies them in the official Gazette.
The consultation is part of the PTA’s broader push to digitise telecom regulation and reduce processing delays. Once finalised, the new PTA radio licences framework is expected to give businesses, aviation and maritime operators and amateur radio enthusiasts a clearer, faster and more predictable licensing regime.
Sources: TechJuice, Bloom Pakistan
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