The mobile packages of all networks are about to get more expensive under the new rules introduced by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
Mobile phone packages in Pakistan could face closer regulatory scrutiny and potentially higher prices under proposed rules that would give PTA greater powers to review and redefine telecom markets.
The proposed changes are contained in the draft Telecommunication Competition Rules, 2026, prepared by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.
PTA has admitted that mobile operators have increased package tariffs by up to 22 per cent over the past year, while rejecting claims that telecom companies have been raising prices by 10 to 20 per cent every month.
According to official documents, the PTA reviewed the top 10 subscriber packages offered by major operators including Jazz, Telenor, Zong and Ufone. The analysis found that average tariffs increased by between 12 per cent and 22 per cent from June 2025 to June 2026.
However, the regulator clarified that the annual increases translate into an average monthly rise of around 1 to 2 per cent. It said there was no evidence that mobile operators were increasing package prices by 10 to 20 per cent every month.
The PTA has proposed adding a provision allowing relevant telecom markets to be reviewed periodically as market conditions, technology and industry trends change.
Such reviews could affect how telecom companies are assessed for competition and how different products and services are categorised.
Under the proposed framework, the PTA could redefine a relevant telecom market when changes in market conditions or industry developments make a reassessment necessary.
The draft rules define a relevant telecom market as a product, service or geographic market identified by the regulator for the purpose of assessing competition.
When determining the boundaries of a market, the PTA could consider several factors, including consumer demand, alternative services available to customers, supply-side substitution, pricing behaviour and technological developments.
The regulator could also examine the geographic scope of competition, barriers to entry and expansion, network effects and access conditions.
