Leading Telcos to Share Networks

Pakistan intends to tighten competition rules for the telecom sector, with a new draft framework allowing the regulator to require dominant operators to provide national roaming access to competitors.

Key points

• The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has proposed the Telecommunication Competition Rules, 2026.
• The proposed rules would establish a sector-specific competition framework for telecommunications while preserving the jurisdiction of the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) under the Competition Act, 2010.
• The proposed obligations would have to be imposed on fair, reasonable, transparent and non-discriminatory terms.
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• The draft would offer the regulator enforcement powers, including issuing directions, requiring corrective measures, imposing proportionate regulatory obligations and initiating proceedings under the relevant law.

Notably, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has proposed the Telecommunication Competition Rules, 2026. It would empower the regulator to impose roaming obligations on operators with Significant Market Power (SMP), take action against violations and resolve disputes. Almost Half of Region's Poorest Residents Live in Pakistan: World Bank.

Under the draft, the regulator could require an operator with SMP to provide national roaming where necessary to promote competition, expand network coverage, protect consumers or improve the employ of telecom infrastructure.

Notably, the proposed obligations would have to be imposed on fair, reasonable, transparent and non-discriminatory terms. The regulator would additionally determine the technical feasibility, operational scope and duration of roaming arrangements.

In practice, the draft would offer the regulator enforcement powers, including issuing directions, requiring corrective measures, imposing proportionate regulatory obligations and initiating proceedings under the relevant law. It would additionally be able to adjudicate disputes arising under the proposed framework.

In resolving disputes, the regulator could consider market efficiency, consumer welfare, proportionality, technical feasibility and the impact on competition.

Notably, the proposed rules would establish a sector-specific competition framework for telecommunications while preserving the jurisdiction of the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) under the Competition Act, 2010.

For context, the draft additionally proposes requiring applicants to pay fees prescribed under Schedule I, replacing the existing reference to "reasonable fees." New Import Law Will Cost Car Industry Rs. 50 Billion.

Recent PTA proposals have additionally suggested a 25 percent market share as an initial trigger for assessing SMP, alongside other factors such as market concentration, spectrum holdings, essential infrastructure, financial strength, network effects and barriers to entry. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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In short, leading Telcos to Share Networks is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.