How to Get a PTA LPWAN Licence for IoT in Pakistan: Rs 100,000 for 5 Years
Get a PTA LPWAN licence for IoT in Pakistan: Rs 5,000 to apply, Rs 100,000 for 5 years, two open radio bands and a one year limit for the start certificate.
Short answer: To run a long range IoT network in Pakistan you need a PTA LPWAN licence. PTA's framework sets a Rs 5,000 processing fee, a Rs 100,000 initial fee and a five year term. You must register each gateway and get a commencement certificate within one year, or the licence is cancelled.
A farm sensor, a water meter or a tracker that talks over a long distance needs a radio network behind it. Selling that network service is not free of rules. PTA's framework for short range devices and the Internet of Things (IoT) says who needs a licence and who does not.
We downloaded PTA's framework, version 1.4 dated 18 December 2025, and the commencement certificate procedure from PTA's wireless licensing page on 14 October 2026. We read both in full.
An LPWAN licence is for those who sell long range IoT service
LPWAN means low power wide area network: a radio network that links small battery devices over a long range at low speed. PTA issues an LPWAN licence to anyone who provides IoT services on the shared LPWAN bands. It treats the licence under its value added services regime.
Mobile and local loop licensees do not need a separate LPWAN licence. They may offer IoT on these bands, but only after prior approval from PTA.
Short range gadgets are a different case. PTA says short range, ultra wide band and IoT devices on the listed shared bands are licence exempt, but each device still needs type approval. If you only buy and use such a gadget, our check for PTA type approval on a device is the page you need.
The fees are Rs 5,000 to apply and Rs 100,000 for five years
PTA's fee schedule lists an application processing fee of Rs 5,000, an initial licence fee of Rs 100,000 and a duration of five years. Taxes and levies set by the government come on top. Academic research licences are exempt from these fees, for research use only.
| Item | What PTA's framework says |
|---|---|
| Application processing fee | Rs 5,000 |
| Initial licence fee | Rs 100,000 |
| Term | 5 years, renewable |
| Annual gateway charges | Abolished from 1 July 2025 |
| Academic research licence | Exempt from the fees |
| Taxes and levies | Extra, as the government sets them |
The licence is renewable for another term in line with federal policy. The fee schedule is in Annex D of the framework. Check it again before you pay, because PTA can revise it.
Only two radio bands are open, with a 1 watt limit
Annex C lists two bands for long range IoT: 433.05 to 434.79 MHz and 920 to 925 MHz. Each has a maximum output power of 1 watt EIRP. PTA says the Frequency Allocation Board must approve these power limits and may review them.
Use is on a secondary basis. That means you may not cause harmful interference to a primary user, and you get no protection from interference yourself. If PTA directs you to stop because of interference, you must stop at once.
How to apply and what happens after the licence is granted
Apply through PTA's online system, OASIS, at eservices.pta.gov.pk. After the grant you must register every gateway, give PTA an updated gateway list twice a year, and ask for a commencement certificate once the system is ready.
- Apply for the IoT licence on PTA's online application system and pay the Rs 5,000 processing fee.
- Pay the Rs 100,000 initial licence fee as PTA directs.
- Register each gateway using PTA's gateway registration form and procedure.
- Install the system, using PTA type approved gateways at the allowed power level.
- Apply for the commencement certificate by email to rbs@pta.gov.pk or through OASIS.
- Pass PTA's inspection and receive the certificate within the one year limit.
PTA's procedure sets the clock on its own side. The enforcement division inspects within 21 working days of receiving the file. Faults go back to you for fixing within 10 days. After a good report the case goes to the Authority within 7 days, and the certificate follows within 7 days of approval.
Rules that bind a licensee after launch
A licensee must start service within one year of the grant. The licence is cancelled automatically if no commencement certificate is obtained within that year, unless the application is already under review on the first anniversary. Existing licensees had one year from the new framework to comply.
- Backend traffic must travel to the cloud or servers through a PTA licensed local access provider.
- No data may be stored outside Pakistan without PTA approval.
- PTA may order services suspended at once for national security reasons.
- The licensee must follow the 2008 health regulation for radio base station antennas and PTA's site clearance procedure for any base stations.
- Devices must meet ICNIRP exposure guidelines and be able to reset to factory settings.
Testing without a licence is allowed in a narrow case. Companies, universities and government bodies may trial up to 10 devices per model for 6 months, not for sale. After that the devices must be sent back to the country of origin, or the trial needs a licence. A trial on a vehicle fleet is a different matter: see how PTA licenses vehicle tracker companies.
Common questions
How much does a PTA LPWAN licence cost?
PTA's framework lists a Rs 5,000 processing fee and a Rs 100,000 initial licence fee, plus taxes. The term is five years.
Do I need a licence to use a LoRa sensor at home?
The framework says licence exempt devices on the listed shared bands need type approval. The LPWAN licence is for providing IoT services. We did not find a separate rule for a single home user.
Which frequencies can an LPWAN network use in Pakistan?
433.05 to 434.79 MHz and 920 to 925 MHz, each at 1 watt EIRP maximum, subject to Frequency Allocation Board approval.
What happens if I do not start service within a year?
The licence stands cancelled if no commencement certificate is obtained within one year, unless your application is under review by the first anniversary.
Is there an annual gateway charge?
No. PTA's framework says annual gateway charges were abolished from 1 July 2025. Licensees still register gateways and report them twice a year.
How we verified this
What we checked, where we read it, and what we could not confirm.
Last checked on 14 October 2026. Sources: PTA's Regulatory Framework for Short Range Devices (SRD) and Terrestrial IoT Services, version 1.4, 18 December 2025, and PTA's SOP for Issuance of Commencement Certificate to IoT Licensees, both on pta.gov.pk. The framework's own change log gives two different months for version 1.4, so rely on the cover date. We did not apply for a licence, and PTA can change fees and bands.
About the author
Technology Journalist & Multimedia Producer
Ahmad Ali is a technology journalist and multimedia producer at Pakistan Era, joining the team in October 2026. He covers consumer technology and digital life for Pakistani readers, combining research with hands-on product testing.
