PTA Shuts Down Five Defaulter LDI Firms Over Unpaid Dues
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has revoked the licences of five Long Distance and International (LDI) operators after they failed to clear their outstanding dues despite repeated notices. The action was taken against WorldCall, Wateen Telecom, Voice Communication, TeleCard, and Circle Net.
According to PTA, the companies were directed to settle their liabilities within a month but did not comply. As a result, the regulator ordered them to immediately cease operations.
PTA also issued separate directives to cellular mobile operators and value-added service providers, instructing them to stop providing telecom facilities to the defaulter firms.
The five companies collectively owe billions of rupees to PTA. Wateen Telecom was directed to pay Rs 6.25 billion, Circle Net Rs 5.9 billion, WorldCall Rs 5.69 billion, and TeleCard Rs 4.07 billion.
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Multinet was asked to pay Rs 1.41 billion, while Redtone faced the highest demand at Rs 14.31 billion. Overall, the defaulters are responsible for around Rs 24 billion in principal dues and Rs 56 billion in late payment surcharges.
PTA clarified that hearings for each company were held separately in line with court rulings and directives from the Ministry of Information Technology. However, no progress could be made regarding either renewal of licences or repayment of dues.
Out of 13 LDI companies operating in Pakistan, four had their licences renewed in 2024, while seven saw their licences expire the same year. The remaining two licences are due to expire in 2025 and 2026. PTA also highlighted that many of the defaulters have not cleared Universal Service Fund and APC charges for several years.
