PTA Grants IoT Licenses to Seven Additional Companies
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Loading... - Ishaan Divan
- 14 Jun 2023
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The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has recently awarded licenses for Internet of Things (IoT) operations to seven new companies. This move signifies the PTA's commitment to expanding IoT services in the country.
The companies that have obtained IoT licenses are as follows: Blix Networks (SMC-Private) Ltd, National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority – NEECA, Dreams Networks & Technology (Pvt) Limited, Pepsi Cola International Pvt Ltd, Multinet Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, Itecknologi Pvt Ltd, and Sparknet Technologies & Solutions (SMC-Pvt) Ltd. These licenses have been granted for a period of five years, with the possibility of renewal upon expiration.
The issuance of IoT licenses to these operators falls under section 5 of the Pakistan Telecommunication Act of 1996 and the PTA Regulatory Framework for Short Range Devices (SRD) & Terrestrial Internet of Things (IoT) Services. By acquiring these licenses, the companies are authorized to establish, operate, and maintain IoT Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) infrastructures in Pakistan, enabling the provision of LPWAN Services.
With the addition of these new companies, the total number of licensed IoT operators has now reached thirteen, marking a significant growth in the industry. The PTA has diligently assessed each company's compliance with the checklist requirements before granting them the licenses.
As per the regulatory framework, these operators are obligated to furnish reports to the PTA regarding network expansions, including the installation and addition of gateways. Furthermore, they are required to provide any additional information as requested by the PTA from time to time.
It is worth noting that IoT solution providers leverage the existing connectivity of Cellular Mobile Operators, eliminating the need for deploying new base stations. However, if an operator intends to install a new base station, it must seek prior approval from the PTA.
