PTA has initiated formal enforcement action against several Long Distance and International (LDI) operators for non-payment of Access Promotion Contribution (APC) dues to the Universal Service Fund (USF), totaling Rs. 80 billion. These actions have been launched under Section 23 of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, 1996. Six companies have received enforcement orders so far, with three more expected to be added shortly. While these operators have not yet been barred from operating, PTA has directed them to settle their dues within thirty days of receiving the orders. Non-compliance may lead to further penalties and legal action.
The decision follows multiple hearings conducted between April and May 2025, where PTA engaged with LDI operators on unresolved license renewal issues and outstanding dues. The Rs. 80 billion comprises Rs. 24 billion in unpaid principal and Rs. 56 billion in late payment surcharge (LPAF). Despite these discussions, no resolution was reached with several firms. Some operators did not cooperate during the hearings, while others relied on stay orders issued by courts to delay proceedings. With no settlement achieved, PTA has moved forward with binding determination and enforcement orders to recover the dues and reinforce its regulatory mandate.
Among the firms receiving enforcement orders, REDtone Telecommunications Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd has been directed to pay Rs. 14.31 billion, including a Rs. 4.10 billion principal and Rs. 10.21 billion in LPAF. Circle Net Communications (Pvt.) Ltd is required to pay Rs. 5.9 billion, made up of Rs. 1.64 billion in principal and Rs. 4.25 billion in LPAF. A major LDI company has been issued an order for Rs. 6.25 billion, split between Rs. 2.0 billion in principal and Rs. 4.24 billion in LPAF. Multinet Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd faces a Rs. 1.41 billion demand, with Rs. 605 million in principal and Rs. 808 million in LPAF. Worldcall Telecom Ltd has been asked to pay Rs. 5.69 billion, including Rs. 1.77 billion in principal and Rs. 3.92 billion in LPAF. Telecard Ltd has received a notice to deposit Rs. 4.07 billion, covering Rs. 1.29 billion in principal and Rs. 2.77 billion in LPAF.
Out of the 13 licensed LDI operators, four have already cleared their dues, and five have agreed to installment arrangements totaling Rs. 8.2 billion. However, four companies have rejected any form of payment plan. In terms of license renewals, seven LDI operators currently have expired licenses. Of these, four were renewed in 2024, while the remaining two are due to expire in 2025 and 2026.
PTA’s enforcement measures come after reconciliation efforts led by the Ministry of IT failed to resolve the matter, and ongoing legal proceedings involving several companies remain active due to stay orders. The orders reflect a renewed push by the regulator to enforce compliance across the sector and ensure timely contributions to the USF.
