PTA Proposes Stricter Rollout Obligations for Telecom Infrastructure Provider Licensees

PTA has decided to introduce stricter rollout obligations for Telecom Infrastructure Provider (TIP) licensees as part of its efforts to ensure meaningful deployment of telecom infrastructure across Pakistan. The Authority has prepared a consultation paper proposing a structured set of mandatory rollout requirements that TIP operators will be required to meet over a multi-year timeline. Under the proposed framework, TIP licensees must fulfill one of the following rollout categories. For Earth Stations/Satellite Hubs, the licensee will be required to establish at least one Earth Station or Satellite Hub in the first year. For Optical Fiber Cable, operators will be obligated to lay 60 kilometers of fiber cable each year over five years. For Towers or Radio Communication Links, the proposal mandates the installation of 10 towers or radio links annually over five years. For Submarine Cable Landing Stations, the obligations include obtaining a Permit in Principle (PiP) in the first year, establishing the landing station and seeking commencement certification in the second year, and achieving operational status in the third year. The Authority argues that these obligations are essential because the TIP license authorizes the establishment and maintenance of key national infrastructure, including Earth Stations, Satellite Hubs, Optical Fiber Cables, Radio Communication Links, Submarine Cable Landing Stations, and supporting structures such as towers, poles, ducts, and pits. Despite these extensive permissions, many licensees have historically remained inactive or have deployed limited infrastructure. By enforcing these stricter rollout requirements, PTA aims to ensure that all TIP license holders contribute substantially to Pakistan’s goals of expanding digital connectivity, strengthening fiberization, and improving network resilience. The Authority believes that mandatory rollout obligations will not only increase transparency and accountability but also accelerate the development of critical telecom infrastructure nationwide. The consultation paper has been shared with stakeholders for feedback, allowing industry participants to comment on the proposed measures before they are finalized and incorporated into future regulatory conditions.