Mobile tariffs up 22% over past year, PTA rejects claims of monthly increases

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has acknowledged that mobile operators raised tariffs by as much as 22 percent over the last year, according to Business Recorder. The regulator nonetheless rejected claims that telecom companies have been increasing prices by 10 to 20 percent every month. After examining the most popular ten plans of Jazz, Telenor, Zong and Ufone, it found average increases of 12 to 22 percent between June 2025 and June 2026.

The authority said the yearly rise works out to roughly 1 to 2 percent a month and that there was no evidence of monthly hikes of 10 to 20 percent. PTA regulates tariffs for Jazz, which it designates as a Significant Market Power operator, as well as Ufone and Telenor under a merger order dated November 30, 2025. Zong, a non-SMP operator, may set its rates according to commercial decisions, although PTA can intervene under the Mobile Tariff Regulations, 2025 when prices harm consumers.

The regulator said it must protect consumer interests while also allowing operators a reasonable return on their investments, and it approves Jazz tariffs after considering inflation, economic conditions and competition. Customers facing charging disputes can lodge complaints through the Complaint Management System, its website, app or helpline. PTA said the matter has grown in importance as mobile service has become a necessity for homes, companies and online users.