The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has proposed stricter rollout obligations for Telecom Infrastructure Provider (TIP) license holders to ensure meaningful deployment of telecom infrastructure across the country.
PTA has prepared a consultation paper outlining mandatory multi-year rollout requirements that TIP operators will be required to follow.
Proposed Rollout Obligations
Under the new framework, TIP licensees must meet one of the following deployment categories:
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Earth Stations / Satellite Hubs:
At least one station must be established in the first year. -
Optical Fiber Cable:
Operators must lay 60 km of fiber cable every year for five years. -
Towers / Radio Communication Links:
Install 10 towers or radio links annually for five years. -
Submarine Cable Landing Station:
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Year 1: Obtain Permit in Principle (PiP)
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Year 2: Build the landing station and apply for commencement certification
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Year 3: Make the station fully operational
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PTA says these requirements are necessary because TIP licensees are authorized to build and maintain major national infrastructure — including fiber networks, radio links, satellite hubs, towers, and submarine landing stations — yet many operators have remained inactive or deployed minimal infrastructure.
With the stricter rules, PTA aims to boost Pakistan’s digital connectivity, fiberization, and network resilience, while ensuring every TIP licensee contributes to nationwide telecom development.
The consultation paper has been circulated to industry stakeholders for feedback before the new rules are finalized.
