PTA bars telecom companies from monthly mobile package price hikes

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has directed telecom operators not to increase the prices of mobile packages on a monthly basis and to revise tariffs only on a quarterly schedule.

Officials said telecom companies have been formally informed that price changes will now be permitted after quarterly reviews rather than frequent monthly adjustments.

Under the revised arrangement, operators may raise package prices by around 10% to 20% compared with the previous year, subject to regulatory approval.

Previously, telecom companies were able to revise mobile package prices more frequently, which prompted complaints from consumers about repeated increases.

In response, the regulator introduced the Mobile Tariff Regulations 2025 to regulate pricing practices in the telecom sector.

Under the new framework, telecom operators must obtain prior approval from the PTA before launching new packages or increasing the price of existing ones.

Officials said the move is intended to bring greater consistency to tariff adjustments and address consumer concerns about frequent price changes in mobile services.