The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued Version 1.4 of its Regulatory Framework for Short Range Devices (SRD) and Terrestrial Internet of Things (IoT) Services, introducing updated rules on licensing, spectrum use, and data governance.

A key focus of the update is the regulation of Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN)–based IoT services, with licenses issued for five years and renewable. All gateways must be registered, and relevant information must be submitted to the PTA on a bi-annual basis.Licensees are required to commence services within one year, or their licenses may be cancelled.

The framework also introduces new data localization requirements, mandating prior PTA approval for storing IoT data outside Pakistan. Cellular Mobile Operators and other Local Access Providers may offer IoT services through their assigned frequencies under existing license conditions or as directed by PTA.

To encourage research and innovation, the framework allows companies, academic institutions, government bodies, and law enforcement agencies to conduct non-commercial IoT testing without an LPWAN license, subject to strict conditions and time limits.

According to PTA, these updates aim to ensure efficient spectrum use, prevent interference, and strengthen regulatory oversight, while promoting innovation in Pakistan’s IoT ecosystem.For more information, reach out to our experts at info@nanotechsol.com.