PTA Revises IoT and Short Range Devices Framework to Regulate Licensed and Shared Spectrum Use

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has revised its regulatory framework for Internet of Things (IoT) and Short Range Devices (SRD), aiming to provide clearer guidelines for the development of a national IoT ecosystem across both licensed and shared frequency bands.

According to the updated framework, IoT services may be deployed either through unlicensed or shared spectrum, including bands used for Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) on a non-interference and non-protection basis, or through exclusively assigned and licensed frequency bands. The revised policy places particular emphasis on defining requirements for IoT service provisioning in shared spectrum, in line with international trends and the government’s digital vision.

The PTA stated that the framework categorizes IoT and SRD service provisioning based on the frequency bands used. Services operating on licensed or exclusively assigned bands include cellular mobile operators and other licensees holding exclusive spectrum assignments from PTA or the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB). Mission-critical IoT services must operate strictly on licensed frequency bands under specific license conditions.

For services using shared or unlicensed spectrum, the framework covers SRD bands, Ultra Wide Band (UWB) devices, and long-range IoT services operating under a newly introduced LPWAN license category. Devices operating in license-exempt bands must comply with technical limits, operating conditions, and type approval requirements and are permitted strictly on a secondary, non-interference basis. PTA has made it clear that any device found to be causing harmful interference must cease operation immediately.

Under the new LPWAN licensing regime, licenses will be issued by PTA under the Cellular Value Added Services (CVAS) framework. Licensees will be required to meet site clearance, gateway registration, power limit compliance, data localization, and national security obligations. IoT data may not be stored outside Pakistan without prior approval, and services may be suspended on national security grounds.

The framework also introduces provisions for research and development, allowing companies, academia, government bodies, and law enforcement agencies to conduct non-commercial IoT testing without obtaining an LPWAN license, subject to strict conditions and time limits.

PTA and FAB will jointly oversee compliance and interference management as the regulator moves to facilitate IoT growth while ensuring spectrum discipline, network security, and protection of primary users.

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