PTA’s New Policy: The long-awaited framework for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) was presented before the federal cabinet for final approval after being reviewed by the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the feedback was made after incorporation of the feedback by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.

PTA New Policy Allows Telcos to Operate Without Physical Infrastructure

Officials in the ministry confirmed that the final version has been prepared and will be taken to the cabinet and this is an important step in a process that has experienced delays many times.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had finalized the MVNO framework in June 2024 after considering stakeholders’ views. One of the most important changes in the draft was the reduction of the license fee by 5 million dollars to 140,000 dollars and extension of the term of the license to 15 years, an attempt to attract new players to the telecom field. The revised draft was sent to the IT ministry in February 2025 and was sent to the Law division later, where the responses were received in April. These inputs were made before presenting them to the cabinet.
The MVNOs work on a leasing basis of network services from the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) as they own their branding, marketing as well and customer service. They have to sign commercial deals with MNO, which can be approved by PTA. Despite the focus of the framework towards the development of mobile services and the intensification of market competition, the long approval cycle has derailed its actual utilization.
The framework will now be taken before the federal cabinet, which is likely to approve. This decision will clear the way for PTA will start receiving applications for MVNO, and the licensing process and compliance checks will start. Policymakers anticipate that the legal formalities will be completed, and then, licences will be awarded and new entrants will be provided the opportunity to introduce their services in the local market. The delay in the MVNO framework also overlaps with other unresolved developments in the telecom sector.