The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has indefinitely suspended the acceptance of new applications for Long Distance and International (LD&I) Licenses in Pakistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), citing limited market activity and low competition.

According to official sources, the PTA’s Commercial Department conducts a market survey every two years. The most recent survey revealed that while a high number of LD&I licensees exist, there are insufficient business opportunities, prompting the decision to pause new licensing.

Currently, about 20 LD&I licensees are operating in Pakistan and 15 in AJ&K and GB. Each LD&I license remains valid for 20 years.

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For applicants in AJ&K and GB, acquiring an LD&I license requires first securing a Local Loop License for TR-III (Gilgit-Baltistan). They must also set up three Network Connection Points (NCPs) within three years and expand their fiber optic or wireless network coverage by 200 km within two years.

In Pakistan, LDI licensees are obligated to establish 14 NCPs across all telecom regions within 36 months of license issuance.

The PTA stated that this suspension is intended to stabilize the telecom licensing ecosystem and promote long-term sustainability in a market where supply currently outweighs demand.