The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has released a consultation draft for the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) license for registering new telecom operators with zero physical presence in the country.
Stakeholders have been invited to submit feedback within 14 days, with April 22, 2026, set as the deadline for responses. The draft license has been prepared in alignment with the existing MVNO policy framework and is now open for industry review before final approval.
Under the proposed framework, MVNOs will be permitted to offer mobile communication services across Pakistan, excluding Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, by entering into commercial agreements with one or more licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
Unlike MNOs, MVNOs will not be assigned spectrum, instead relying on the infrastructure and spectrum of parent operators. However, they will be allowed to operate under their own brand names, provide customized services, and manage their own customer care and billing systems.
The draft outlines several financial obligations, including an initial license fee of $140,000, alongside annual payments such as:
- 0.5% of gross revenue as an Annual License Fee
- 1.5% contribution to the Universal Service Fund
- 0.5% contribution to the Research and Development Fund
The license will be valid for 15 years, with renewal subject to PTA approval, and operators must commence services within 12 months of receiving the license.
Strict operational, security, and compliance requirements have also been imposed on MVNOs. These include mandatory access to emergency services, adherence to quality of service benchmarks, and compliance with national security regulations, such as lawful interception and data retention for at least one year.
MVNOs must also ensure SIM verification, prevent unlawful communications, maintain customer data confidentiality, and remain subject to PTA oversight regarding tariffs, service quality, and consumer protection.
The introduction of the MVNO licensing regime is expected to stimulate competition, innovation, and service diversity in Pakistan’s telecom market. By allowing new entrants to leverage existing network infrastructure, the policy aims to lower entry barriers, encourage investment in value-added services, local manufacturing, and R&D, while maintaining strong regulatory control over the sector.
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“PTA will now register new telcos”
What about the 2 existing MVNOs already operating in Pak? Were they operating illegally?
The real benefit of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) will only be achieved if they are allowed to utilize multiple host networks instead of relying on just one. Currently, examples like ROX depending on Jazz and ONIC on Ufone show that single-network dependency limits their potential.
If MVNOs can access and switch between multiple networks, it would significantly improve coverage, signal strength, and internet speeds across different areas. Otherwise, it simply becomes a rebranded service with different packages and a new name, while the underlying network experience remains the same.
For MVNOs to truly add value to the telecom sector, multi-network access should be encouraged.