ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet is all set to approve increase in rates of Radio-Based Services (RBS) on the recommendations of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) .
PTA is responsible for processing frequency assignment requests and granting licences/approvals for Radio-Based Services (RBS), including Private Radio Networks (PRN), Mobile Station Aircraft/Ship, Inmarsat, Amateur, and DRS/Microwave links. The current fee structure for these services, established in 2001, requires comprehensive revision due to the substantial disparity that has emerged between the prescribed RBS charges and the escalating administrative costs associated with license management and spectrum oversight over the past twenty-four years.
The economic landscape has undergone significant transformation since the implementation of the current fee structure. Further, the monetary value and technological sophistication of services rendered through RBS licenses and authorizations have increased substantially, driven by technological advancements and the evolving requirements of contemporary communication systems. This significant evolution in both economic parameters and service delivery frameworks necessitates an immediate and comprehensive revision of the existing RBS fee structure.
In accordance with applicable legal framework, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) under section 5(2)(a), 5(2)(c) and section 43(5) of Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996 is mandated to regulate issuance & renewal of licenses, processing of frequency assignment requests and charging of relevant fees . Moreover, Clause 8.7.5 of the Telecommunication Policy 2015 mandates PTA to propose to the Federal Government, the methods of assigning and pricing frequency Spectrum after consultation with stakeholders.
In this regard, PTA carried out an industry consultation in August 2024 and the consultation paper on revision of RBS charges was uploaded on the PTA website.
Based on the consultation process, PTA proposed revision in the existing RBS fee structure and its implementation mechanism and forwarded it to MoITT to process the case for approval of the Federal Government.
As per Rule 18(4) of the Rules of Business, 1973, this matter was referred to the Finance Division for views/ comments before submission to the Cabinet. The Finance Division endorsed the revised RBS charges and implementation mechanism with a few suggestions which were duly incorporated into the final draft by PTA.
Foregoing in view, the revised RBS charges along with implementation mechanism have been submitted to the ECC for approval in terms of clause 8.7.5. of the Telecom Policy 2015 . Ends
