Mobile Handset Levy Revenue Projected to Rise to Rs14 Billion Next Fiscal Year
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has projected higher revenues from the telecom sector in the budget for fiscal year 2026-27, with significant contributions expected from 4G/5G spectrum licenses, mobile handset levies, and regulatory authorities.
According to the budget documents, the government has allocated Rs27.685 billion in non-tax revenue from 4G/5G licenses for FY2026-27, compared to Rs22.049 billion budgeted for the outgoing fiscal year. The estimate for the current year was later revised upward to Rs24.973 billion.
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| Revenue Source | FY2025-26 Budget (Rs bn) | FY2025-26 Revised (Rs bn) | FY2026-27 Budget (Rs bn) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4G/5G Licenses | 22.049 | 24.973 | 27.685 |
| PTA Surplus | 1.100 | 1.640 | 1.300 |
| Mobile Handset Levy | 12.000 | — | 14.000 |
| Regulatory Authorities (Surplus) | 6.239 | 3.387 | 4.736 |
Revenue from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) surplus under the Income from Property and Enterprises category is projected at Rs1.3 billion for the next fiscal year, up from the original budget estimate of Rs1.1 billion for FY2025-26. The revised estimate for the current year stands at Rs1.64 billion.
The government has also set a target of Rs14 billion from the mobile handset levy in FY2026-27, compared to Rs12 billion budgeted for the current fiscal year. Meanwhile, revenue from Regulatory Authorities (Surplus) is estimated at Rs4.736 billion, higher than the revised estimate of Rs3.387 billion but lower than the original budget allocation of Rs6.239 billion for FY2025-26.
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