The PTA cautions telecommunications operators over unlawful charges and tariff infringements.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has cautioned telecom firms over unlawful deductions and unapproved supplementary charges levied on consumers, asserting that stringent measures will be implemented for such infractions, as reported by ARY News.

The PTA has formally acknowledged corporations imposing additional charges on customers without prior consent. The authority reiterated that telecom providers must secure prior approval before altering mobile tariff rates.

The PTA pledged to maintain service quality without compromise, underscoring the necessity of explicit consumer agreement for all Value-Added Services (VAS).

Operators are mandated to implement transparent charging systems; the PTA cautioned that noncompliance would incur hefty fines.

The regulator additionally urged telecommunications companies to invest in spectrum and infrastructure to enhance mobile service quality.

Customers were notified that they may reach out to the PTA helpline for the resolution of their complaints.

The PTA has declared that calls to toll-free numbers, namely (0800XXXXX), would henceforth be complimentary for all mobile phone users, expanding a service that was once restricted to fixed-line consumers.

The PTA has announced that mobile customers were previously paid conventional call rates when calling toll-free lines starting with 0800.

The authority stated it examined the issue and implemented requisite measures to safeguard consumer interests and guarantee equitable access to telecommunications services.

Subsequent to consultations with principal stakeholders, including Pakistan Telecommunication Company (PTCL), National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC), local loop operators, and cellular mobile operators, it was concurred that calls to local loop (LL) toll-free numbers would be complimentary for all users.

The PTA has stated that the initiative demonstrates its dedication to advancing consumer rights, guaranteeing equitable access to telecoms services, and fostering a more user-friendly telecom landscape throughout Pakistan.