MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has released a consultation paper inviting industry stakeholders to provide input on telecom regulation reforms, including whether Local Loop (LL) licensees should continue offering mandatory voice services or be allowed to adopt modern alternatives like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Network Function Virtualisation (NFV).
One of the key recommendations under review is giving LL licensees the flexibility to operate only as Internet Service Providers (ISPs), without the requirement to provide traditional voice services. This shift is expected to better broadband expansion, improve service quality, and encourage investment in next-generation telecom infrastructure.
PTA is studying an option to transform LL licensing into technology-agnostic regulations for network operators to implement software-defined networking (SDN) and packet-switched network (PSN) systems. This method will enable both cost efficiencies and innovative advances alongside increased capital expenditure for leading telecommunications systems.
The consultation paper presents a new definition of how LL licensees should allocate numbering resources while they adopt digital technologies. Telecom networks transitioning to internet services require a growing necessity for effective number resource management.
The review incorporates Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, 1996 along with the Telecom De-Regulation Policy, 2003 and Telecom Policy, 2015 as primary legal frameworks that guide telecommunication sector management between regulatory compliance and technological advancement requirements.
According to this consultation paper, the broadband-focused strategy can boost competitive markets while making internet services more affordable for people and delivering better services to all areas of Pakistan. High-speed internet deployment challenges in rural and underrepresented areas will receive accelerated digital transformation through this modification. The Universal Service Fund (USF) functions as the main funding tool for broadband development while maintaining broadband availability for all.
PTA asks for public opinion regarding maintaining emergency services and directory assistance together with operator support under the present mandatory regulatory requirements for LL licensees. Public safety and accessibility in specific regions demand traditional telephony services even as this issue requires attention.
CTO Pakistan has opened a feedback period till March 28, where all Industry stakeholders and Policymakers, together with the General Public can contact the organization either by email or fax. Rendering Pakistan’s telecom sector future-ready is the main aim of this initiative through which the authority seeks to maintain modern regulatory standards for a digital-first society.
