The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has officially abolished the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) Regulations, 2012, opening the door to a new regulatory framework for virtual network operators in Pakistan.
The repeal was made under the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996, according to an official notification issued in the Gazette of Pakistan. The decision was binding immediately after its publication in the official Gazette.
With the revocation of the 2012 restrictions, PTA has ensured continuity for existing businesses in the market. All permits issued, approvals given and acts made under the former regulations shall be valid and effective.
Existing licenses and approvals will continue to remain valid unless they are reviewed, amended or replaced by PTA under the new regulatory regime. The authorities will separately release specifics of the new framework.
The move comes as Pakistan aims to increase competition and diversify its telecom and digital services industry. A new MVNO framework may enable new business models and help transform the country’s telecom market.
