PTA Orders PTML to Halt New ONIC Sales and Activations
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has directed Pakistan Telecom Mobile Limited (PTML) to immediately stop new sales, activations, SIM and eSIM issuance, new subscriptions, marketing, and other commercial activities related to its digital telecom service ONIC.
The regulator said ONIC’s current operational structure falls within the framework of a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), meaning the service must meet the applicable regulatory requirements.
PTA Raises Regulatory Concerns Over ONIC Structure
According to the PTA, ONIC is registered as a brand of PTML but its operations go beyond those of a conventional telecom brand.
The service operates through dedicated digital platforms and offers its own packages, customer relationship management (CRM), billing systems, and customer support arrangements.
The PTA also highlighted the role of a separate entity known as DTMS, which is involved in several key commercial functions. These include customer acquisition, marketing, Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, SIM sales and logistics, and customer service operations.
The authority also referred to the revenue-sharing arrangement between the entities. Under the arrangement cited by the regulator, DTMS is set to receive 55% of the relevant revenue during the first three years.
ONIC Falls Under MVNO Policy Framework, PTA Says
The PTA said these operational features indicate that ONIC has several characteristics covered by the MVNO Policy Framework 2025.
As a result, the regulator has determined that ONIC’s existing structure needs to be brought into compliance with the applicable regulatory framework.
The directive covers a range of commercial activities, including the activation of new connections, issuance of physical SIMs and eSIMs, new subscriptions, marketing campaigns, and other activities aimed at acquiring new customers.
Existing ONIC Users Given Three-Month Transition Period
To prevent an immediate disruption for existing ONIC customers, the PTA has provided PTML with a three-month transition period starting from the date it receives the regulatory order.
The authority clarified that this period is intended only to facilitate the migration of existing ONIC customers to PTML.
During this transition, the company is expected to take steps to ensure that current subscribers can continue receiving telecom services without unnecessary disruption.
PTML Has Two Options for ONIC
Under the PTA’s decision, PTML has two possible routes for the future of ONIC.
The first option is to restructure ONIC as a clearly defined product or brand operated under PTML’s existing Mobile Network Operator (MNO) licence.
The second option is to retain ONIC’s current MVNO-style operational structure and obtain the required MVNO licence in accordance with the relevant regulatory framework.
The decision places the responsibility on PTML to determine which structure it will adopt while ensuring that ONIC’s operations comply with Pakistan’s telecom regulations.
