ISLAMABAD – Mobile users across Pakistan may face higher call and internet charges in the future following the merger between Pakistan Telecommunication Mobile Limited (PTML) and Telenor Pakistan. Although no tariff increase has been approved, industry experts believe the merger could eventually lead to revised pricing.
The merger has created the largest mobile network operator in Pakistan based on subscriber numbers. Market observers say the combined company may consider reviewing its pricing strategy after completing the integration process.
According to industry analysts, the merged company could submit a request to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for higher mobile tariffs. However, no such application has been filed so far.
Officials have confirmed that the PTA has not received any formal request for a tariff increase. The regulator has also not approved any rise in mobile service charges at this stage.
Experts believe that if the PTA approves higher tariffs for the country’s largest mobile operator, other telecom companies could introduce similar price revisions. This may result in increased mobile and internet costs for consumers across the telecom industry.
The situation has drawn comparisons with an earlier telecom merger. In 2016, Mobilink and Warid combined to form Jazz, creating another major telecom operator. After that merger, Jazz revised several of its mobile packages and service charges.
At the time, the company said the tariff changes were necessary because of the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee and higher taxes on the telecommunications sector. Industry observers note that previous mergers have influenced pricing decisions in the market.
PTML officials have stated that their current priority is maintaining uninterrupted and high-quality services for customers. They said work is continuing on future commercial plans and branding strategies following the merger.
The company added that any important updates regarding its business plans or pricing policies will be announced at the appropriate time. For now, no official decision has been made regarding changes to customer packages or service rates.
The PTML and Telenor Pakistan merger was officially completed last week. The transaction received approval from the Islamabad High Court before becoming effective.
As part of the merger, Telenor Pakistan no longer exists as a separate legal entity. All of its assets, liabilities, rights, and obligations have been transferred to PTML under the approved agreement.
The telecom industry in Pakistan is now closely watching future developments. While speculation about possible tariff increases continues, customers will have to wait for any formal announcement from the company or approval from the PTA before changes take effect.
In other news read more about Islamabad Airport Main Runway to Remain Closed for 11 Days
At present, mobile users across Pakistan will continue paying existing rates, as no increase in call or internet charges has been officially approved.
