Regulatory Framework for Short Range Devices (SRD) & Terrestrial Internet of Things (IoT) Services V1.4

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has established this framework to regulate the development of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem in Pakistan. It provides comprehensive guidelines for the use of both unlicensed/shared frequency bands—typically used for Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) and Short Range Devices (SRD)—and exclusively assigned licensed bands. The framework operates on a "Secondary, Non-Interference, Non-Protection" basis for shared spectrum, meaning devices must not cause harmful interference to primary services and must tolerate any interference received.

Permitted Radio Bands and Technical Specifications

The regulation defines specific frequency ranges and technical parameters across several categories:

• Induction Loop Systems: Various bands from 9 kHz to 30 MHz, with field strengths ranging from 37.7 to 72 dBµA/m at 10 meters.
• Non-Specific Short Range Devices:
  • 865-868 MHz: Power limit <20mW ERP.
  • 920-925 MHz: Power limit ≤ 200mW ERP.
• Active Medical Implants: 401-405 MHz with a power limit of 25 µW ERP and channel spacing of 25 kHz.
• WLAN and Broadband Access (RLAN):
  • 2.40-2.5 GHz: ≤ 100 mW EIRP.
  • 5.150-5.350 GHz & 5.470-5.725 GHz: ≤ 200 mW EIRP (Indoor/DFS/TPC requirements apply).
  • 5.725-5.875 GHz: 1 W maximum EIRP for indoor and outdoor use.
• Ultra-Wide Band (UWB): Operates across various segments from <1.6 GHz to >10.6 GHz with specific mean power spectral density limits (e.g., -41.3 dBm/MHz in core bands).
• LPWAN (Long Range IoT):
  • 433.05-434.79 MHz: 1 W Max EIRP.
  • 920-925 MHz: 1 W Max EIRP.
• High-Frequency Fixed & Radar Services: 57-66 GHz for fixed services (Max +55 dBm EIRP) and 76-81 GHz for vehicular radar (SRR).

Specific Exemptions and Restrictions

• License Exemptions: SRD, IoT, and UWB devices using shared spectrum identified in Annex A and B are license-exempt, provided they comply with specified technical limits and type approval requirements.
• Data Residency: No data generated by these services shall be stored outside of Pakistan's geographical boundaries without explicit approval from the Authority.
• Operational Constraints: Devices must not have external controls that allow adjustments inconsistent with specified technical parameters. Operations must cease immediately if interference with a primary service is reported.
• LPWAN Licensing: A specific LPWAN license is required for providers using shared bands for long-range services, falling under the CVAS licensing regime.
• Research and Development (R&D): Companies and academia may use up to 10 devices per model for test and trial purposes without an LPWAN license. This requires a 6-month NOC/COC and devices must be re-exported afterward unless a full license is obtained.

Conformity Assessment and In-Country Testing

All radio devices covered under this framework must undergo Type Approval in accordance with Section 29 of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996, and the prevailing Type Approval Technical Standards Regulations. Key requirements include:

• Technical Standards: Compliance with international standards such as ETSI EN 301 091-1 (for radar), ETSI EN 302 264, and ETSI EN 302 065-1 (for UWB).
• Health and Safety: Devices must comply with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines for electromagnetic field exposure.
• Base Station Clearance: LPWAN licensees must follow specific SOPs for cell site clearance and the "Protection from Health-Related Effects of Radio Base Station Antennas Regulation 2008."
• Factory Reset: Terminal equipment must possess a "reset to factory settings" capability.

Labeling Requirements

While the framework primary directs manufacturers and importers to the "Type Approval Technical Standards Regulations" for specific labeling procedures, it reinforces that all devices must be clearly identifiable and compliant with the approved specifications. This typically involves the application of a PTA-issued type approval label or mark to signify compliance with Pakistani regulatory standards.

Modification and Replacement of Regulations

This document, Regulatory Framework for Short Range Devices (SRD) & Terrestrial Internet of Things (IoT) Services V1.4 (2025), replaces all previous versions of the framework, including:

• Regulatory Framework for SRD & Terrestrial IoT Services v1.3 (February 2023).
• Regulatory Framework for SRD & Terrestrial IoT Services v1.2 (May 2022).
• Regulatory Framework for SRD & Terrestrial IoT Services v1.1 (December 2021).

Significant updates in V1.4 include the registration requirements for LPWAN gateways, revised fee structures in Annex-D, and the abolition of annual gateway charges as of July 1, 2025.