PTA and non-PTA approved phones explained

Are you making your mind to buy a new phone but on a tight budget? Well, there’s always an option to buy a used phone. But wait, every ad you notice online has the labels ‘PTA Approved’ and ‘non-PTA Approved’ on it, most notably on Apple products. What exactly do they indicate? And why is there a significant price difference between the two categories despite the phone being the same? Don’t worry; we are here for your assistance.

Examining the difference:

Under the Telecom Act 1996 (section 29), no terminal equipment can be directly or indirectly linked with a public switched network unless PTA has type-approved. Type-approval granted by PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) denotes that a particular telecommunication device is authorized for general sale and compatible with a specific public telecommunication network. In simple terms, PTA certification implies that the federal government has approved the phone and, therefore, will operate on "all" bands and frequencies permitted by our local mobile operators such as Mobilink, Telenor, Ufone etc. On the other hand, non-PTA-approved devices won’t enable the user to make a call, send text messages or enjoy data access via their mobile network.

Justifying the price contrast:

To get a device approved by PTA, one has to pay a certain fee, often 30 to 35 percent of the phone's original price or even higher depending on your phone's value. Flagship Android phones and iPhones are prime examples. This fee includes all taxes and federal duties required to import a phone officially and legally. Since most unapproved phones are brought to Pakistan privately and personally from abroad, they are bound to pay this amount to get registered in the customs list.

Still, phones without verification function properly, including WiFi connectivity. You just can't enjoy the privilege of local mobile networks.

Steps to get your device PTA-approved:

1. Visit this link https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs/auth/register_individual
2. Select Foreigner or National Citizen according to your status
3. Enter basic personal information to create an account
4. Login with your account
5. Click on apply for COC
6. Enter your phone’s details and contact number
7. Enter the code sent through SMS
8. An amount will be calculated and displayed on your screen. Pay a certain amount through online banking or other digital payment services available.