The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has published a detailed overview of the current mobile service tariffs in the country, outlining charges for voice calls, data, and SMS.

This disclosure addresses increasing public concerns regarding high usage costs and taxes.

According to the PTA, the standard “Pay As You Go” (PayG) tariffs—applicable when users do not subscribe to any packages—range from Rs3.2 to Rs3.6 per minute for voice calls.

Data usage incurs charges of Rs3.3 to Rs5 per megabyte, while SMS costs between Rs2.15 and Rs2.5 per message.

Mobile users also face a considerable tax burden. A Rs100 card recharge effectively provides only Rs86.96 due to a 15% Withholding Tax (WHT).

Additionally, a 19.5% General Sales Tax (GST) applies to each individual usage—calls, data sessions, and messages—totaling approximately Rs14.19.

Consequently, the combined tax burden on a single top-up amounts to Rs27.23.

The PTA clarified that GST is applicable to all bundles, offers, and subscription services. This tax policy affects both prepaid and postpaid customers, encompassing nearly all mobile user segments.

From a regulatory perspective, the PTA mandates that operators with Significant Market Power (SMP)—currently, Jazz—must obtain prior approval before raising tariffs or launching new packages.

These operators are required to submit detailed proposals, including justifications, assessments of consumer impact, and comparisons within the industry.

In contrast, non-SMP operators such as Ufone, Telenor, and Zong can set tariffs independently, though all providers must notify customers at least seven days before implementing any price changes.

While the PTA did not specify the date of the most recent tariff revision, it affirmed that any proposed changes by SMPs undergo a rigorous evaluation process, taking into account operational costs, inflationary pressures, and broader market trends.

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