The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued 47 district-level Class Licences for internet services during the current year as part of efforts to expand broadband connectivity and improve digital access across the country, according to official documents.
Licence Issuance Timeline
The documents reveal that the first district-level internet licence was issued in February 2026. The PTA granted 12 licences in March, followed by 14 in May and a record 20 in June. Lahore received the highest number of licences, with seven issued during the period. Sargodha ranked second in terms of licence applications, while Faisalabad and Islamabad were each granted four district-level licences.
Focus on Underserved Areas
The regulator also issued licences in South Waziristan and Lower Chitral, extending internet service opportunities to underserved and remote areas. According to the documents, the new licences are expected to increase competition in the broadband market, improve internet access for consumers and strengthen digital connectivity in rural and less-developed regions. Officials said the initiative would also encourage local investment, create employment opportunities and support the growth of Pakistan's digital economy.
Submarine Cable Repairs Completed
Separately, internet services across the country returned to normal on July 3 after a fault in the SEA-ME-WE 5 (SMW5) international submarine cable system was successfully repaired, the PTA said in a statement. The regulator said the submarine cable is now operating at full capacity. During the outage, the PTA worked with Transworld Associates (TWA) to expedite repairs, while internet traffic was rerouted through alternative international links to minimise service disruptions and maintain connectivity for most users.
