The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has decided to open fixed local loop (FLL) licenses for the telecommunications regions of Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Faisalabad after it suspended FLL licenses in these regions on February 1, 2020, while applications for licenses in 10 other zones open.
In view of the market situation and on the basis of a six-monthly assessment of the market absorption capacity, PTA has decided to reopen the licenses.
PTA grants an FLL license for the provision of fixed (voice and data) telecommunication services within a telecom region using medium exclusively wireless. PTA started granting FLL licenses in 2004 and now there are 195 licensees in 14 telecom regions of Pakistan. According to PTA, some companies also provide TV services, but they have no affiliation with the authority as TV services require a separate license from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).
According to sources, it is mandatory for companies to offer fiber optic connections to at least 200 people for this permit. Now PTA plans to oblige companies to offer fiber to a minimum of 300 to 400 hundred people. The PTA decisions will contribute to better connectivity and new business opportunities.
According to PTA officials, new companies are interested in investing in this area as there are business opportunities in these four major telecom regions. The fee for an FLL license is $10,000 and the license is valid for 20 years.
