PTA proposes 10-year radio licences, online processing under new rules

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has proposed a new licensing framework for radio-based communication services, introducing a 10-year licence term, online application processing and a 15-working-day deadline for communicating decisions on complete applications, while tightening eligibility, equipment and compliance requirements.

Under the draft Radio Based Services (RBS) Licensing Regulations, 2026, the regulator has proposed four categories of licences covering private radio networks, aircraft mobile stations, maritime mobile stations and amateur radio operators, including a separate category for junior operators.

The draft regulations, circulated for public comments, seek to establish a standardised licensing procedure for services ranging from wireless communication networks and trunking systems to microwave links, telemetry, weather radars and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.

The proposed framework requires applicants to submit applications electronically through the PTA’s online system, while private radio network applicants would first have 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 have 15 days to address each set of deficiencies, with applications allowed to be returned for corrections no more than three times.

The authority would communicate its decision on a complete application within 15 working days, subject to completion of the required formalities and, in the case of private radio networks, assignment of spectrum by FAB.

Under the proposed rules, licences would generally remain valid for 10 years, 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 spectrum revalidation cases would require an application at least six months before expiry.

The draft also proposes a streamlined renewal mechanism for private radio network licensees where they have applied on time, cleared outstanding dues and sought renewal without changes to their existing network parameters, but FAB has not completed spectrum revalidation before expiry. Such renewal would remain subject to subsequent spectrum revalidation.

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 fees.

Aircraft and maritime mobile station licences would each carry charges of Rs100,000 for the complete licence term.

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.

The draft also makes type approval mandatory 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 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.

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.

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. Existing licences would remain valid on their current terms until expiry.