ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had warned all telecom companies in Pakistan to stop hidden mobile charges and unauthorized deductions from their users. The regulator said that any value-added services (VAS) must only be activated with the user’s clear cut permission only. Hidden fees and secret subscriptions are not allowed, and companies breaking these rules may face penalties.
PTA Warns Telecom Companies
PTA emphasized that telecom operators must be transparent in billing and must get approval before changing any mobile plans or tariffs. Users must give clear consent before being enrolled in any value-added service ( VAS). This step is part of PTA’s efforts to protect telecom users in Pakistan and ensure that mobile balance deductions must be fair and transparent.
Permission Required Before Charges
Many mobile users have long complained that their balances deducted some time after due to unauthorized services. PTA reminded companies that customers must always give permission before any charges or subscriptions are added to their phone. Billing must be simple, clear, and easy to understand, so users know exactly for which service they are paying.
Focus on Service Improvement, Not Extra Fees
PTA also said telecom companies to focus on improving their network and mobile services instead of adding hidden charges. Users have reported problems like balance deduction and unexpected charges for services they don’t know and never activate. By improving transparency and infrastructure, telecom operators can restore their trust with customers.
How Users Can Complain
To help affected users, PTA asked mobile subscribers to report issues through their official helpline and online complaint channels. Consumer can report their complaint in PTA official website. Consumer rights are top priority for PTA, and the authority is monitoring complaints closely to take action against telecom companies that violate rules.
Free Calls to 0800 Toll-Free Numbers
In a positive move, PTA announced that calls to toll-free numbers starting with 0800 will be free. In past, only landline users could make free calls to these numbers. This decision came after consultations with the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited and the National Telecommunication Corporation.
Users Still Reporting Hidden Charges
Despite these actions, some users continue to face hidden deductions. Reports say that VAS services are sometimes activated without permission, and daily charges of Rs70–Rs80 are deducted from users’ balances. Social media has amplified these complaints, with viral posts showing multiple unauthorized subscriptions on users’ mobile numbers.
PTA Monitoring the Situation
PTA is closely monitoring telecom companies and working to protect mobile users from hidden fees. Consumers want transparency, clear consent for all paid services, and fair billing. Telecom operators are under growing pressure to follow the rules and rebuild public trust in Pakistan’s mobile network.
By applying these rules, PTA aims to stop hidden mobile fees, ensure consumer protection, and provide equal access to services like free 0800 numbers. Users are encouraged to stay vigilant, check their balances regularly, and report any suspicious charges deduction immediately.
