Off-net calls likely to get cheaper across country

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has indicated making off-net calls even cheaper by reviewing the Mobile Termination Rate (MTR).

The PTA has reduced the MTR, which plays a critical role in protecting smaller players and automatically rationalizing retail tariffs, particularly for off-net calls, for all types of calls terminated on mobile networks from other mobile networks or fixed networks from 90 paisas to 80 paisas from 1st January 2019; the rate was reduced further to 70 paisas in 2020.

The changing market structure of the cellular mobile segment in Pakistan has necessitated a review of the existing MTR at the rate of 90 paisas per minute. Due to the prevalent industry dynamics, there was a call by mobile operators for a reduction in the MTR, and the PTA had accordingly asked all the stakeholders for their input for a revision.

Subsequently, the MTR will be reviewed in the coming years in accordance with international best practices. It is expected that the revised MTR will help to keep tariffs low for consumers and relieve them of high rates.