The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has imposed Rs. 3.41 billion in fines on telecom operators over violations of prescribed service quality standards during the past four years.
The figures were disclosed by Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja in a written response submitted to the National Assembly.
During the period, PTA carried out more than 500 Quality of Service (QoS) surveys across cities, rural areas, highways, motorways and railway routes. The regulator also conducted more than 200 complaint-based surveys to assess service quality.
As part of its enforcement action, PTA issued 20 warning letters and 86 Show Cause Notices (SCNs) to telecom operators over non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
The minister said telecom companies are required to maintain the service quality standards specified in their licences, while consumer charges are based on their advertised tariffs.
She added that some operators offer location-specific or regional packages at lower prices than nationwide plans, with pricing determined by commercial considerations and local market conditions.
PTA Already Has Powers to Fine Operators
According to the minister, the government does not currently need a separate policy for additional penalties against telecom companies, as existing laws and regulations already provide PTA with enforcement powers.
The regulator can issue warnings and Show Cause Notices and impose financial penalties under the Pakistan Telecommunication (Reorganization) Act, 1996, operators’ licences and Cellular Mobile Network QoS Regulations.
New Spectrum Rules Tighten Service Requirements
The government has also strengthened service obligations through the latest spectrum auction and revised Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) licence conditions.
The updated requirements include additional 4G and 5G network sites, stricter QoS benchmarks, stronger rollout obligations and phased network upgrades.
The measures are intended to improve telecom services, particularly in underserved areas, while increasing operators’ accountability for meeting required service standards.
