Mobile phone users in Pakistan may face higher telecom tariffs following the merger of PTML (Ufone) and Telenor Pakistan, as the combined operator is expected to seek approval for revised pricing from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), according to industry sources.
Sources told that Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (PTML) is likely to approach the regulator for tariff increases once the merger process is fully integrated. The merged entity is expected to become Pakistan’s largest mobile operator by subscriber market share, giving it a stronger position in potential pricing negotiations.
Analysts suggest that tariff revisions by the market leader often influence the broader telecom sector, as competing operators tend to follow similar pricing adjustments once regulatory approvals are granted.
Background: A similar pricing trend was observed after the 2016 merger of Mobilink and Warid, which formed Jazz. Following that consolidation, mobile tariffs and package prices gradually increased, driven by currency depreciation, rising operational costs, and sector-wide tax pressures.
Sources added that no formal tariff hike request has yet been submitted or approved. However, expectations are growing that the merged operator may approach PTA in the coming months to revise mobile rates across Pakistan.
When contacted, PTML Director Corporate Communications Saad Warraich stated that the company’s priority remains ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and a seamless customer experience, adding that future commercial and branding plans will be communicated in due course.
The PTML-Telenor merger was recently completed after approval from the Islamabad High Court, resulting in the transfer of all assets, liabilities, and operations of Telenor Pakistan to PTML.
