PTA Plans Free e-SIMs Transfers Under New Uniform Policy

The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat has been informed that telecom users in Pakistan will soon be able to transfer their e-SIMs between devices up to 10 times free of charge under a new uniform policy by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

The committee, chaired by Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, reviewed several issues related to the telecom sector, including e-SIM policies, the rollout of 5G services, mobile network quality, and alternative methods for SIM registration.

PTA Plans Free e-SIMs Transfers Under New Uniform Policy

PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman told the committee that mobile operators currently follow different e-SIM transfer policies, with some allowing only a limited number of transfers. He said the regulator is finalizing a standard policy that will allow consumers to transfer their e-SIMs at least 10 times without any additional charges.

During the meeting, lawmakers also raised concerns about increasing mergers and consolidation in the telecom industry, warning that reduced competition could negatively impact consumers. In response, the PTA said Pakistan’s telecom market remains competitive and deregulated, adding that greater competition will lower e-SIM costs over time.

The committee also reviewed progress on the country’s 5G rollout. PTA officials said 499 5G-enabled sites have already been deployed, with visible 5G coverage expected in major areas by the end of the year. The regulator added that the shift to 5G would also improve the performance and user experience of existing 4G networks.

According to the PTA, Pakistan currently has around 15.6 million 5G-compatible devices, and the number will increase steadily. The committee directed the regulator to work on making 5G-enabled smartphones more affordable for consumers.

Lawmakers also discussed poor mobile connectivity on highways, motorways, and remote areas. PTA officials said efforts are underway, in collaboration with the Universal Service Fund (USF), to expand network coverage and remove communication black spots. They added that the PTA has introduced live monitoring of mobile towers and has already launched national roaming along the Makran Coastal Highway. The authority is also considering similar arrangements for motorways.

To improve connectivity in hard-to-reach regions, the PTA chairman suggested using Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, which could help extend telecom services to underserved areas.

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The committee also reviewed the process for issuing SIM cards when biometric verification fails. At present, exemptions are available in limited cases based on medical certificates or verification by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). The panel directed the PTA to explore alternative verification methods, including retina scanning and facial recognition through mobile applications, to make the process more accessible.

In a separate discussion, the committee reviewed updates from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). The regulator clarified that consumers are responsible for gas leakages occurring after gas passes through installed meters. The committee urged OGRA to promote smart metering technologies to reduce leakages and improve consumer services, while also addressing administrative issues within Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL).

The committee further welcomed OGRA’s decision to simplify documentation requirements for settling price differentials with oil marketing companies and directed the regulator to ensure timely payments to support the financial stability of the sector.