PTA Directs PTML to Stop ONIC Commercial Operations, Gives Three Months for Customer Migration
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has directed Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (PTML), which operates Ufone and owns the ONIC brand, to immediately stop new sales and activations of its ONIC digital telecom service. The order also covers the issuance of new SIMs and eSIMs, subscriptions, marketing and other commercial activities related to ONIC.
According to the regulator, ONIC falls under the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) framework and cannot continue operating in its current structure without the required regulatory approval. The PTA said ONIC uses PTML’s network, spectrum and numbering resources while maintaining separate digital systems, including billing, CRM, customer platforms and customer-care services.
5G Rollout Accelerates in Karachi as Active Sites Reach 279 Across Major Networks
The PTA has allowed PTML three months to migrate existing ONIC customers to PTML, clarifying that the period is strictly for customer migration and does not permit continued commercial operations by ONIC. PTML has also been directed to submit a compliance report within seven working days confirming that ONIC’s operations have been halted and outlining measures taken to comply with the order.
The regulator has given PTML two possible routes for the future of ONIC. It can restructure the service so that it clearly operates as a PTML product under the company’s existing mobile network operator licence, or retain its current MVNO-style structure and obtain the required MVNO licence. The decision follows a PTA hearing concerning PTML’s representation regarding ONIC and its launch.
