Pakistan’s telecom operators are seeking lower electricity rates after submitting detailed power consumption and expenditure data to a government task force examining whether industrial electricity tariffs can be extended to the telecom sector. The operators have provided information covering electricity usage, power expenses, number of telecom sites, existing commercial rates and estimated savings under industrial tariffs. The development follows the government’s decision to grant industrial status to the telecom sector, allowing discussions on whether telecom companies can receive electricity rates similar to those available to other industrial users.
The data submitted by operators also covers grid connected sites, load shedding, network disruptions and the use of backup generators during power outages. Telecom companies operate thousands of network sites across Pakistan, requiring a consistent electricity supply to maintain mobile and data services. Operators have therefore provided information on the duration of outages, sites dependent on generators and the additional requirements associated with maintaining services during interruptions. The information will allow the government task force to assess the sector’s electricity requirements and determine the potential impact of applying industrial tariffs to telecom infrastructure.
The government has formed a task force to develop a mechanism for extending industrial electricity tariffs to telecom companies. It includes representatives from the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Power Division, National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, telecom operators and power distribution companies. The group is reviewing the information provided by operators and is also considering measures such as dedicated power feeders and smart grid solutions. These arrangements could help telecom sites maintain network availability during electricity disruptions and reduce dependence on temporary backup arrangements.
The proposed tariff adjustment comes as telecom operators continue maintaining and expanding mobile networks, including fourth generation and fifth generation services, across the country. A shift to industrial electricity rates would change the tariff structure currently applicable to telecom companies and could affect their overall network expenditure. However, the government has not yet finalized the mechanism or confirmed the applicable rates. The task force will continue reviewing the operators’ submissions and consulting with power distribution companies and other relevant institutions before presenting recommendations. on how the telecom sector could be incorporated into the industrial electricity tariff framework.
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