The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has cut charges for eSIM services, making it cheaper for consumers to switch from physical SIMs and move their eSIM profiles between devices.
Under the new rules, cellular mobile operators can charge a maximum of Rs1,500 for issuing an eSIM or converting a physical SIM into an eSIM. The revised charges will apply across Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
The new rates will take effect from August 17, PTA said on Friday.
The regulator has also introduced a free transfer facility for eSIM users. Customers will be able to migrate their eSIM profile from one device to another up to 10 times without paying a transfer fee.
PTA said the move is aimed at making eSIM services more affordable and transparent while encouraging wider adoption of the technology.
The decision comes as the regulator steps up efforts to protect telecom consumers and improve access to digital services.
Alongside its eSIM decision, PTA has also warned consumers about a rise in fake courier messages being used by scammers to steal sensitive information.
The authority said fraudsters often send messages or emails pretending to be from courier companies and ask recipients to click on links, pay delivery-related charges or share one-time passwords (OTPs).
PTA has advised consumers not to click on suspicious links or share OTPs and other sensitive information in response to such messages.
The regulator has also been pursuing illegal internet service providers as part of its efforts to protect consumers and government revenue.
PTA said its continued monitoring and action against illegal internet operators is aimed at curbing tax evasion and revenue misreporting, which can result in losses to the national exchequer.
The authority has urged consumers to use telecom and internet services only from operators licensed by PTA. It warned that services provided by illegal operators could be discontinued without notice.
PTA said consumers can check the list of licensed telecom operators through its official website.
The latest measures reflect PTA’s broader push to improve consumer protection, strengthen oversight of the telecom sector and encourage the use of legitimate and affordable digital services.