Wispap urges PTA to reform licensing regime

KARACHI: Pakistan’s wireless internet service providers have called on the country’s telecom regulator to modernise the local loop licensing framework, warning that outdated regulations are hindering broadband expansion and competition.

In a submission to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Monday, the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (Wispap) has urged regulators to adopt a technology-neutral approach that would remove mandatory voice service requirements and create a broadband-only licensing category.

Shahzad Arshad, chairperson of Wispap, said that the future of Pakistan’s digital economy depends on the country’s ability to adapt to global best practices. He pointed out that regulators in countries such as the UK, India and Australia have already embraced technology-neutral models that prioritise broadband growth, adding that Pakistan must not be left behind.

The association has proposed that local loop licence holders should be allowed to operate as broadband-only service providers without the requirement to offer voice telephony.

It has also called for the adoption of modern network technologies, including Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Software-Defined Networking (SDN), and cloud-based infrastructure, to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Wispap has also recommended that numbering resources should be allocated only to operators offering voice services, ensuring that broadband providers are not subjected to unnecessary regulatory

obligations.

The association has further stressed the need for safeguards against anti-competitive practices, urging the PTA to ensure that dominant telecom players do not stifle competition by disadvantaging smaller ISPs and operators.

Wispap has warned that unless regulatory reforms are introduced, Pakistan risks losing out on investment in next-generation telecom infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas. It has urged policymakers and industry stakeholders to support changes that would lower costs, encourage innovation, and accelerate broadband penetration.

Arshad emphasised that the regulatory landscape must evolve to attract local and foreign investment in telecom infrastructure, fostering a competitive market that benefits businesses and consumers alike.

He said that Wispap has submitted its formal recommendations to the PTA and looks forward to working with regulators to ensure that Pakistan’s telecom sector remains competitive and aligned with global trends.