The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has officially started the licensing process for Virtual Private Network (VPN) service providers under the Class License for the Provision of Data Services in Pakistan. This initiative aims to regulate the growing VPN market, especially following the recent ban on X, formerly known as Twitter.
As part of this regulatory effort, the PTA has already granted Class Licenses to three companies, allowing them to legally provide VPN services. The authority has urged all VPN service providers operating without a license to obtain the necessary Class License promptly. This step is crucial for compliance with the existing regulatory framework and will help prevent potential service disruptions, ensuring uninterrupted access for users.
The PTA has noted a significant rise in VPN usage in Pakistan, which has contributed to internet slowdowns across the country. The increased demand for VPN services has placed additional strain on the nation’s bandwidth, leading to slower internet speeds. In response, the PTA has submitted a report to the Ministry of IT, emphasizing the urgent need to enhance bandwidth to accommodate the growing internet demand.
For detailed information regarding the licensing process, eligibility criteria, and application forms, interested parties can visit the official PTA website at www.pta.gov.pk.
