Internet and telecom services could become more expensive after operators raised concerns over sharply increased infrastructure charges.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Access Providers Association has approached Punjab authorities and the federal government. The association objected to higher fees for laying and maintaining telecom cables at Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Estate.
Telecom Cable Charges Rise Sharply
Under revised rates introduced by the estate management, annual rent for aerial telecom cables increased from Rs. 50 to Rs. 300 per metre. Consequently, the charge recorded a 600 percent increase.
Meanwhile, charges for underground infrastructure also increased substantially. The one-time right-of-way fee for buried cables rose from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1,000 per metre.
The annual rent for underground cables also increased from Rs. 100 to Rs. 300 per metre. Additionally, the one-time supervision fee climbed from Rs. 80 to Rs. 250 per metre.
Association Seeks Government Intervention
PTAPA said the revised charges conflict with the federal government’s Public & Private Right of Way Policy Directives. Therefore, it urged authorities to enforce the approved policy and review the increased rates.
The association argued that public authorities should impose right-of-way charges on a no-profit-no-loss basis. It said these fees should cover service costs rather than generate commercial revenue.
Furthermore, PTAPA said telecom operators already pay approved tariffs for using electricity distribution company poles. Therefore, it opposed additional permission or NOC charges for the same infrastructure.
The association also urged authorities to intervene urgently over permissions for new telecom infrastructure. It warned that withholding approvals could slow network expansion across the industrial estate.
As a result, businesses could face disruptions in accessing internet and other essential communication services. PTAPA has therefore called for immediate review of the revised charges.
The association maintained that telecom infrastructure requires predictable and policy-based costs. It believes such measures can support continued connectivity and prevent additional pressure on consumers.
