The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has clarified that users relinquishing unused or unnecessary SIMs will not incur any charges until December 31, 2023. The announcement aims to alleviate confusion among consumers who reported being charged by their network providers for returning their SIM cards before the stipulated cutoff date.
The PTA emphasized that users facing unwarranted charges can file complaints through various channels, including the helpline, the Authority’s web portal, or the mobile application. This proactive approach by the PTA underscores its commitment to ensuring fair practices within the telecommunications sector.
In a previous announcement made in November, the PTA had granted telecommunication operators the authority to impose charges, not exceeding Rs200, for users disowning their SIMs. However, the regulatory body clarified that these charges could be entirely avoided if SIMs were returned by December 31, 2023.
Encouraging consumers to act promptly, the PTA stated, “By doing so, consumers can avoid SIM disowning charges and contribute towards responsible usage of SIMs.” The regulatory measure was initially introduced to enable the PTA in upholding its commitment to national safety and security, as efficiently managing and monitoring SIM card usage plays a crucial role in maintaining a secure telecommunications environment.
With this latest clarification, the PTA aims to streamline the process and ensure that consumers are informed about their rights and obligations regarding the return of unused SIM cards. The authority remains steadfast in its mission to foster responsible SIM card usage while safeguarding national security interests.
