PTA tells telcos to enforce uniform SIM policy
ISLAMABAD: The telecom sector regulator has directed all three telcos to implement a uniform policy on SIM expiry and recharge amounts, after finding that two telcos were not complying with the prescribed terms and conditions. A senior Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) official said consumers had lodged complaints against Zong and Telenor Pakistan, which has now been acquired by PTCL.…
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has instructed all three major mobile operators to adopt a consistent SIM policy concerning balance validity and recharge amounts, following complaints that two of the carriers were not adhering to the established rules. The regulator found that Zong and Telenor Pakistan, now part of PTCL, were demanding that users maintain a minimum balance during the active life of their SIMs, or face cancellation, and that they were not carrying over unused balance to subsequent recharges.
A senior PTA official revealed that Jazz has a 90-day active period, followed by a 180-day quarantine before the SIM can be recycled. The PTA has mandated that all telcos implement a minimum 180-day validity period for any recharge or balance, effective October 1st. This policy will prevent the automatic cancellation of prepaid balances and ensure they are reinstated upon a subsequent recharge, promoting fairness for all subscribers, particularly those with limited financial means.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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