Key Points
- New tariff regulations require prior approval for dominant mobile operators
- Regulator retains powers to intervene against unfair pricing
- Pakistan records a low average revenue per user compared to regional peers
- Spectrum auction planned to expand network capacity and improve data speeds
- Consumers urged to report unauthorised charges through official complaint channels
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s telecom regulator has moved to tighten oversight of mobile pricing and service standards after mounting consumer complaints over tariffs, network quality and unauthorised charges.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, the statutory body which regulates the country’s telecommunications sector, stated that it has enforced new Mobile Tariff Regulations, 2025, to create a structured and transparent framework for mobile phone pricing.
Under the rules, operators designated as having “significant market power”, a competition law term referring to companies with dominant market share, must obtain prior approval from the regulator before introducing or revising tariffs.
Other operators may set their own pricing based on commercial considerations, though the authority retains the right to intervene if it determines that tariffs harm consumer interests or distort competition.
The move comes amid public criticism on social media alleging excessive charges and declining service quality.
Pakistan has more than 201 million mobile subscribers, making telecom services a critical component of the country’s digital economy.
The regulator said Pakistan continues to post one of the lowest Average Revenue Per User figures in the region.
Average Revenue Per User, commonly abbreviated as ARPU, is an industry metric measuring the average monthly income generated by a telecom company from each subscriber.
Low ARPU typically reflects lower consumer prices but can also limit operators’ ability to invest in infrastructure.
To address network performance concerns, the authority confirmed that a new spectrum auction is planned.
Spectrum refers to the radio frequencies allocated to mobile operators to transmit voice and data signals.
Additional spectrum enables companies to increase network capacity, improve coverage and deliver faster mobile internet speeds.
Officials stated the auction will require substantial investment by operators to acquire new frequencies and upgrade network infrastructure, which is expected to enhance service quality across all the urban and rural areas.
The regulator also reiterated that mobile companies are required to obtain explicit prior consent from subscribers before activating value-added services, such as caller tunes or subscription-based content, which often generate recurring charges.
Consumers can review and manage active subscriptions through operators’ official applications.
Complaints regarding billing disputes or service issues can be lodged through the authority’s toll-free helpline or online complaint management system.
The regulator said it aims to strike a balance between consumer protection and ensuring sustainable investment in Pakistan’s telecommunications sector, which is considered vital for economic growth and digital inclusion.
