The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced a new regulatory framework to support the rollout of free public Wi-Fi services across Islamabad.
A document released by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication outlines key details of the framework.
It defines the roles of licensed operators, user data protocols, and public education campaigns to ensure both secure and convenient internet access.
Under the new framework, Class Value-Added Services (CVAS) and local loop license holders are allowed to install public Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the capital without paying extra licensing fees.
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Additionally, existing PTA license holders will be given access to unlicensed Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) radio bands free of charge, making it easier to set up public Wi-Fi infrastructure.
The provision of these services will depend on the financial capacity and technical readiness of the service providers. The PTA has also made it mandatory for companies to protect user data and keep activity logs confidential.
To promote safe internet use, the framework also requires service providers to carry out public awareness campaigns focused on digital privacy and responsible browsing.