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The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a draft framework for the licensing of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).
Stakeholders have been invited to submit their views. Under the proposed policy, licences will be granted for a period of 15 years, with fees to be determined accordingly.
The authority has allowed 14 days for stakeholders to present proposals, with April 22 set as the final date.
Following the expected auction of 5G spectrum, the PTA has decided to proceed with the early issuance of MVNO licences and has commenced the consultative process in this regard. Under the proposed framework, a fee of 140,000 US dollars has been set for an MVNO licence, with a validity of 15 years. Applications for renewal will be required 30 months prior to expiry.
According to the financial terms, an annual licence fee of 0.5 per cent, a Universal Service Fund contribution of 1.5 per cent, and a Research and Development contribution of 0.5 per cent have been fixed.
Under the framework, MVNOs will be permitted to offer services under their own brand, design packages, and establish customer care and billing systems. However, they will not be allowed to own network infrastructure or spectrum.
The PTA said MVNOs will be permitted to provide services across the country, excluding Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
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