ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Mobile phone packages in Pakistan could face greater regulatory scrutiny and potentially higher prices under proposed rules that would give the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) broader powers to review and redefine telecom markets.
The proposed changes are included in the draft Telecommunication Competition Rules, 2026, prepared by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.
According to official documents, the PTA has acknowledged that major mobile operators increased package tariffs by up to 22 per cent over the past year. However, the regulator rejected claims that telecom companies have been increasing prices by 10 to 20 per cent every month.
The PTA reviewed the top 10 subscriber packages offered by major operators, including Jazz, Telenor, Zong and Ufone. The analysis showed that average tariffs increased by between 12 and 22 per cent from June 2025 to June 2026.
The regulator clarified that these annual increases translate into an average monthly rise of around 1 to 2 per cent, rather than the 10 to 20 per cent monthly increase being claimed.
Under the proposed framework, the PTA would be able to periodically review relevant telecom markets in response to changes in market conditions, technology and industry trends.
The authority could also redefine a relevant telecom market when developments in the industry require reassessment. The draft rules define a relevant telecom market as a product, service or geographic market identified by the regulator for assessing competition.
While determining market boundaries, the PTA could consider consumer demand, alternative services, supply-side substitution, pricing behaviour and technological developments.
Other factors could include the geographic scope of competition, barriers to entry and expansion, network effects and access conditions.
The proposed rules are aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework for competition in Pakistan’s telecommunications sector.
