PTA notifies telecom equipment standards regulations

By The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has notified the Telecommunication Equipment Standards Regulations, 2024, making compliance with prescribed technical standards mandatory for telecom equipment manufactured, imported or deployed in the country. The regulations have been notified through the Gazette of Pakistan under S.R.O. 1110(I)/2026, following approval from the federal government, PTA said in a statement on Tuesday. Issued under Section 28 of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996, the regulations apply to all PTA licensees, manufacturers and importers of telecommunication equipment. Under the new framework, telecom equipment must meet prescribed technical standards, including Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), Radio Frequency (RF), health and safety, and other applicable specifications. A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) issued by the PTA will be mandatory before equipment can be imported, deployed or put into operational use. The regulations were developed following consultations with importers, licensees, manufacturers, vendors and other industry representatives. According to the PTA, the framework aims to promote global compatibility and interoperability, improve service standards, encourage local manufacturing and support national economic growth. The authority said the regulations would also help strengthen Pakistan's telecommunications ecosystem and support technological advancement in the sector.