Ufone rebranding: PC restrains PTA from granting approval

The Privatisation Commission has halted the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority from approving a plan to rename Ufone as e&, arguing that the matter lies with the governments of Pakistan and the UAE. According to Business Recorder, PTA's chairman told reporters the commission had instructed the regulator to hold off, since the issue involves commitments between the two governments.

The proposal followed the merger of Ufone and Telenor Pakistan. Pakistan Telecommunication Mobile Limited had asked the PTA for permission to change the brand name, while the Competition Commission of Pakistan and PTA hold differing views on the change. The Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom was told that consultations are still under way.

The secretary said the government is weighing the issue from several angles and has not reached a final decision. Any name change would follow applicable rules and require approvals from the federal government, he added.