Islamabad

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has introduced a comprehensive set of regulations governing local peering and Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), in a move aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and improving internet service quality.

Under the new framework, internet traffic within the country will increasingly be routed through local peering arrangements and IXPs, instead of relying on international gateways — a shift expected to reduce latency and enhance network efficiency.

Focus on Local Traffic Management

The regulations encourage licensed operators to exchange local internet traffic directly through peering or IXPs, allowing faster and more cost-effective data transfer.

Operators will, however, be required to obtain PTA approval before establishing Internet Exchange Points, with the authority outlining detailed technical and operational requirements for their setup.

Technical Standards and Oversight

According to the new rules:

• IXPs must operate at the Layer-2 level
• Licensees are required to use routing protocols for traffic exchange
• A steering committee or governing board must be established to ensure transparency and fair service delivery

PTA said it will act as an arbitrator in case of disputes between licensees, reinforcing regulatory oversight.

Compliance and Monitoring

The regulator has mandated that companies share relevant operational information and strictly comply with the new framework. Regular inspections will also be conducted to ensure adherence.

Additionally, the rules prohibit hosting of illegal online content on Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), with operators required to notify PTA prior to deploying any CDN infrastructure.

Strengthening Digital Ecosystem

Officials say the move is designed to optimize domestic internet traffic management, reduce dependency on international bandwidth, and ultimately deliver a more stable and efficient online experience for users.

The latest regulations mark a significant step in Pakistan’s efforts to modernise its telecom ecosystem, as demand for faster and more reliable internet continues to grow.