PTA asks PTML to shut down new ONIC operations

Business Recorder reported that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has ordered Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (PTML), which operates Ufone, to immediately halt new sales, activations and marketing of its ONIC digital service. The regulator classed the offering as falling under the MVNO framework and directed PTML to discontinue ONIC in its current form. PTML has three months to migrate existing ONIC customers, after a hearing on its representation.

The PTA said ONIC, although a registered PTML brand using its network and spectrum, operates with separate billing, CRM and customer-care systems. A separate entity, DTMS, handles marketing, KYC, SIM logistics and sales, and receives 55 percent of relevant revenue during the first three years under a build-operate agreement. The regulator also flagged concerns over subscriber data, lawful interception, disaster recovery and third-party arrangements.

PTML can either restructure ONIC as a plain PTML product within its existing MNO licence, or obtain the required MVNO licence if it wants to keep the current model. It must also file a compliance report within seven working days confirming that ONIC operations have ceased. ONIC said in a statement that its services are uninterrupted and customers can keep using them.