ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Monday commenced the licensing of Virtual Private Network (VPN) service providers under the class license framework to regulate data services in the country.
According to a PTA spokesperson, the authority has approved applications from two companies for the issuance of class licenses for VPN services.
The initiative aims to facilitate businesses in legally using VPNs while ensuring data security, privacy, and compliance with regulations. “PTA is committed to supporting organisations in responsible connectivity solutions,” the spokesperson stated.
Businesses and individuals interested in obtaining a class license for VPN services can apply through PTA’s official e-services portal.
It is worth noting that on December 7, 2024, PTA introduced a VPN registration facility via mobile numbers, enabling freelancers who do not have a static IP to register and use VPN services.
“Freelancers can now register their mobile numbers for VPN usage, allowing them to work seamlessly on mobile data,” the PTA spokesperson explained.
The initiative is part of PTA’s broader effort to promote the IT sector and simplify the VPN registration process.
The authority has so far registered over 31,000 VPNs, addressing previous challenges freelancers faced with static IP-based registration.
A class license enables multiple users to operate under a unified set of regulations without requiring individual approvals. In December 2024, the PTA resumed issuing class licenses for data services, specifically for VPN providers.
Companies offering VPN and related services must obtain this license to operate legally in Pakistan.
