The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has hinted at making off-netcalls even cheaper by reviewing the Mobilelink TerminationRate (MTR).
According to official documents, the MTR plays a critical role inprotecting smaller players and automatically rationalizing retail tariffs,particularly for off-net calls. The changing market structure of thecellular mobile segment in Pakistan has necessitated a review of theexisting MTR at the rate of 90 paisas per minute.——————————
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The MTR is the amount that the receiving operator must charge when a callis made to another network. An MTR of 90 paisas per minute was determinedin 2010 and no operator could charge less than it.
Following in-depth deliberations, the PTA has reduced the MTR for all typesof calls (local, long-distance, and international incoming) terminated onmobile networks from other mobile networks or fixed networks from 90 paisasto 80 paisas from 1 January 2019; the rate was reduced further to 70 paisasin 2020.
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Due to the prevalent industry dynamics, there was a call by mobileoperators for a reduction in the MTR, and the PTA had accordingly asked allthe stakeholders for their input for a revision.——————————
Subsequently, the MTR will be reviewed in the coming years in accordancewith international best practices. It is expected that the revised MTR willhelp to keep tariffs low for consumers and relieve them of high rates.
The documents also revealed that the PTA regularly checks and verifieswhether Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) are charging their consumer’sretail tariffs according to the advertised rates.
