Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan is in its final regulatory stage, with PTA expected to issue the NOC by the end of November. With CCP conditions already in place and further approvals pending from SBP and SECP, the merger is poised to reshape Pakistan’s telecom market ahead of the critical 2026 5G auction.
Internet services in Pakistan have been restored after PTCL completed repairs on a faulty repeater in one of its submarine cables. The 18-hour maintenance operation briefly disrupted speeds nationwide but restored stability to Pakistan’s international internet network.
The CCP has ordered PTCL to separate its operations from the newly merged Ufone-Telenor entity to safeguard competition and transparency. The directive enforces strict governance, independent management, and regular oversight to ensure profitability and prevent anti-competitive practices in Pakistan’s telecom sector.
The Competition Commission of Pakistan has conditionally approved PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers, requiring strict oversight, separate governance, and fair access guarantees. If PTA clearance follows, the merger will create the country’s second-largest operator with 70 million subscribers, reshaping Pakistan’s telecom landscape.
The CCP will conditionally approve PTCL’s USD 400 million acquisition of Telenor Pakistan after an 18-month review, imposing safeguards on pricing, infrastructure sharing, and competition. The decision balances market dominance concerns with potential efficiencies, setting a precedent for rigorous telecom merger oversight.
Pakistan’s telecom regulator has cast doubt over the PTCL–Telenor merger, citing concerns about PTCL’s finances, ethics, and transparency. The CCP has demanded binding investment commitments and clarity on funding sources, warning that vague or incomplete responses undermine the merger’s viability and competitive impact.
PTCL Group reported 16% YoY revenue growth in HY 2025, fueled by fiber broadband, enterprise services, and Ufone 4G. Despite a one-off net loss, the Group expanded its FTTH footprint, launched Pakistan’s first 5G-ready smart community, boosted digital wallets and apps, and advanced major regional connectivity projects.
PTCL reports Rs7.2bn loss in H1 FY25; finance ministry warns of risks tied to Telenor Pakistan acquisition affecting digital transformation.
Pathfinder Group and PTCL Group signed an SLA to deploy smart cloud and IoT solutions, including fleet tracking and surveillance, advancing digital transformation and operational efficiency across Pakistan.
PTCL Group and Huawei have deployed an advanced 5G-ready Digital Indoor System combined with high-speed FTTH at Islamabad’s Sukh Chayn Residence, pioneering Pakistan’s first luxury 5G-ready residential complex. This collaboration enhances connectivity quality and user experience, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital lifestyle evolution.