PTA admits mobile tariffs rose up to 22% over year
Mobile operators have increased tariffs by up to 22 percent over the past year, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has admitted, while rejecting claims that telecom companies have been raising prices by 10-20 percent every month. Official documents noted that PTA’s analysis of subscriber-wise top ten packages offered by Jazz, Telenor, Zong and Ufone showed an average tariff increase…
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has confirmed that mobile operators raised tariffs by up to 22 percent over the past year, while refuting claims of a more dramatic monthly increase. Official data revealed that the average tariff hike, from June 2025 to June 2026, ranged between 12 percent and 22 percent across the top packages offered by Jazz, Telenor, Zong, and Ufone.
The authority emphasized that this translates to a modest monthly rate increase of 1-2 percent, dismissing the notion of operators hiking prices by 10-20 percent each month.
This admission emerges as consumers express growing discontent over successive hikes in mobile package prices, which are driving up the cost of calls, data, and other mobile services. The PTA noted its ongoing regulation of Jazz, a Significant Market Power (SMP) operator, alongside Ufone and Telenor following a merger order on November 30, 2025.
In contrast, Zong operates as a non-SMP entity and may adjust tariffs as it sees fit. However, the regulator retains the authority to intervene if tariffs harm consumer interests under the Mobile Tariff Regulations of 2025.
PTA clarified that it is obligated to safeguard consumer interests while ensuring telecom operators receive a fair return on their investments. The authority regularly reviews tariffs for SMP operator Jazz, factoring in consumer welfare, inflation, economic conditions, and market competition. To prevent billing discrepancies, PTA conducts anonymous billing verification exercises across all operators.
Consumers encountering tariff-related grievances or inconsistencies can file complaints through the PTA's Complaint Management System or helpline, which the authority pledges to address under the relevant legal framework.
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