ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced a ‘simplified’ VPN registration process for freelancers and organisations.
Now, software houses, call centres, banks, embassies, and freelancers can easily register their VPNs via PTA’s official website.
Members of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) can also benefit from this facility, according to a press statement issued by the PTA.
To complete the registration, it is essential to fill out an online form that includes the CNIC, company registration details, and taxpayer status. Freelancers must provide proof of their affiliation with a project or company, such as a letter or email.
The approval process for this registration is completed within 8 to 10 hours, and so far, over 20,000 companies and freelancers have successfully registered their VPNs through this system.
Individuals wishing to use VPNs for commercial purposes must provide the required details and relevant proof from their employer.
Read More: PTA introduces new registration portal for VPN users
Earlier on 14 Nov 2024, PTA introduced a new registration portal for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) aimed at ensuring a ‘secure’ environment for Pakistan’s growing IT and e-commerce sectors.
To VPN registration in Pakistan, the PTA categorised registration process into four distinct groups.
For Companies: Businesses can register their VPN connections to ensure secure internet access.
For Freelancers: Freelancers can register using an authentication letter from their employer.
For Call Centres: Call centres have the option to whitelist IP addresses to improve security and functionality.
For Video Conferencing: Companies can whitelist IP addresses to facilitate seamless communication.
For Companies
- CNIC of applicant
- Letter of Incorporation or proof of Active taxpayer
For freelancers
- CNIC of applicant
- Letter of Authentication from employer / business concern
For call centres
- CNIC of applicant
- Letter of Incorporation or proof of Active taxpayer
- Call Center registration Certificate from PSEB
- Fee in case of five or more IP addresses (including previously whitelisted IP addresses)
For video conferencing
- CNIC of applicant letter of Incorporation / letter from Government organisations /companies
- Fee in case of five or more IP addresses (including previously whitelisted IP addresses)
How to register online
The applicants may visit the PTA portal to apply for registration or IP whitelisting.
Registration/Whitelisting fee
To register for the VPN, the PTA clarified that there is no fee for VPN registration; however, a fee is required for whitelisting five or more IPs.