Pakistan telecom regulator halts ONIC SIM sales amid MVNO rule changes

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has repealed the 2012 Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) Regulations, clearing the way for a new regulatory framework intended to increase market competition and diversify digital services. While existing licenses and approvals under the old rules remain valid, the regulator is preparing to introduce a revised regime.

In conjunction with these regulatory shifts, the PTA has ordered Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (PTML) to halt the sale and activation of new ONIC SIMs and eSIMs. The regulator determined that ONIC’s operating model—which includes customized packages, a dedicated app, separate billing systems, and customer-facing operations managed by DTMS—functions more like an independent MVNO than a sub-brand of PTML.

Existing ONIC users will not be disconnected. PTML has been granted a three-month period to migrate these customers into its licensed operations.