The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), since its creation in 1996, has issued 669 licenses to different telecom service providers so far. There were only 21 licensed carriers when the PTA was created in 1996, however until October 2004 the Authority has issued 669 licenses to different telecom operators, PTA sources said here on Saturday.
Sources said this shows a tremendous growth in the range of services and the development of competitive environment, adding during the last few years, the congenial and liberal policies adopted by PTA have created an environment which is attracting new businesses.
Enumerating the details, they said during previous fiscal 2003-04, the Authority received 180 applications for value-added services licenses, but it issued 141 licenses so far, whereas 39 applications are still under process.
Similarly, the sources said during the period the Authority issued 84 radio-based services licenses.
The PTA also issued licenses for fixed line and mobile cellular services during the year. A total of 12 LDI and 84 LL licenses were issued in addition to two technology neutral mobile cellular licenses.
Sources also said the fee structure for value-added services has been rationalised to provide incentives to telecom operators from July 1. The annual fee of CMT and fixed line operators has also been abolished for VMS and VCS from July 1 onward.
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