Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has issued a formal advisory to mobile phone users nationwide cautioning against the unauthorised activation of value-added services, which can lead to unexpected deductions from prepaid and postpaid balances. According to a statement released by the regulator, consumers have reported incidents where services such as caller tunes, daily messaging or internet bundles, missed call alerts, mobile games, horoscope updates, quiz services, infotainment alerts, and other subscription-based content were activated without explicit consent. PTA clarified that activation of any value-added service requires explicit confirmation from the user, typically through a One-Time Password or by dialling a designated USSD code. If the user has not provided such consent, the service should not be active, and any charges incurred may be the result of unauthorized activations.
The regulator emphasised that mobile operators are obligated to ensure that no value-added service is activated without obtaining clear and verifiable consent from subscribers. Users are advised to routinely monitor their mobile balances and review active subscriptions to detect any unauthorised services promptly. PTA’s statement underscores the importance of using secure authentication methods and remaining vigilant about the legitimacy of service activations, as these measures are crucial to protecting consumers from unintended deductions and preserving trust in telecom services. The advisory also highlights the need for subscribers to report any irregularities directly to their service providers or to PTA to ensure swift resolution.
By issuing this advisory, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority seeks to enhance transparency and accountability within the telecom sector while protecting consumer rights in an increasingly digital services environment. The warning serves as a reminder that as mobile networks expand their service offerings, subscribers must exercise caution and take proactive steps to secure their accounts. PTA’s ongoing efforts to safeguard consumers include monitoring service activations, enforcing regulatory compliance among operators, and educating users on safe practices for managing value-added services. Such initiatives aim to ensure that subscribers can benefit from digital services without encountering unexpected financial liabilities.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
