PTA Revises Radio-Based Services Charges for 2025

ISLAMABAD: After nearly 25 years without a revision, the government has approved a significant hike in charges for radio-based services (RBS) across Pakistan. The increase affects roughly 1,100 radio networks and mobile stations and is aimed at partially covering administrative costs.

PTA Revises Radio-Based Services Charges for 2025

The decision was taken last week by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet, which kept the exact figures confidential, though officials confirmed that charges had been substantially revised.

Details of the Fee Revision

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) tabled the proposal, highlighting that RBS spectrum and licence fees had remained unchanged since 2000, despite inflation rising over 700% during the same period.

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Key revisions include:

• Private Radio Networks: 748 licensees will see charges increase by 361%, from Rs76 million to Rs350 million per licence.
• Mobile Stations for Aircraft and Ships: 144 licensees will pay Rs2.852 million instead of Rs713,000, reflecting a 300% increase.
• Amateur Radio Licences: Fees doubled from Rs160,000 to Rs320,000.
• Inmarsat Licences: Increased from Rs625,000 to Rs1.25 million.
• Microwave DRS Links: Fees rose from Rs53.92 million to Rs107.84 million.

PTA estimates that these revisions will raise annual revenue to Rs463 million, up from Rs131.4 million, marking a 252% increase. However, in terms of foreign exchange, revenue is expected to decline by 18%, reaching $1.66 million per year from the previous $2.021 million.

Government Oversight and Future Plans

Officials expressed concern that relevant authorities, including PTA and the Ministry of IT and Telecom, had neglected this issue for decades. The ECC has directed the ministry to revise RBS charges every three to five years to keep pace with economic changes and technological advancements.

The PTA is responsible for frequency allocation, licence issuance, and fee adjustments for all RBS services, including PRNs, Mobile Stations (Aircraft/Ship), Inmarsat, Amateur Radio, and DRS/Microwave links.

The ministry noted that the outdated fee structure created a mismatch between service charges and the actual costs of managing licences and spectrum oversight. Rapid technological development and the growing sophistication of services further emphasized the need for a comprehensive revision.

Key Points

• RBS charges see largest revision in 25 years to cover administrative costs.
• Private radio networks, mobile stations, Amateur Radio, Inmarsat, and Microwave DRS link fees increased significantly.
• Total annual revenue from RBS expected to rise from Rs131.4m to Rs463m.
• ECC directs periodic fee revisions every 3–5 years to align with inflation and technology.
• PTA responsible for licence management, frequency allocation, and fee enforcement.

Conclusion

The fee revision marks a long-overdue adjustment in Pakistan’s communication sector, aligning service charges with current economic realities. While the increase may be challenging for some licensees, it ensures that the PTA can adequately cover operational costs, maintain spectrum efficiency, and support technological advancements in the sector.

FAQs on PTA’s Radio-Based Services Fee Revision 2025

1. Why were RBS charges increased after 25 years?
Fees had remained unchanged since 2000, despite inflation exceeding 700%, creating a gap between costs and revenue.

2. Which services are affected by the new fees?
Private radio networks, mobile stations (aircraft/ship), Amateur Radio, Inmarsat, and Microwave DRS links.

3. How much revenue is expected from the revised charges?
PTA projects total annual revenue of Rs463 million, up from Rs131.4 million.

4. Will these charges be revised regularly in the future?
Yes, the ECC has directed fee reviews every three to five years to keep pace with economic and technological changes.

5. Who oversees the regulation of RBS licences and fees?
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is responsible for frequency allocation, licence issuance, and enforcement of RBS service fees.