PTA makes telecom sector lose 1.6 million subscribers

Actions of the government in the last few months have started showing their toll on the telecom sector. As reported by Tribune, last December saw a decrease in cellular density in the country from 69.8% to 68.8% which makes it 121.946 million subscribers to the boot accounting for a total loss 1.6 million subscribers. Despite all the net loss of customer base in telecom sector, the overall standing of telecom operators did not have any unforeseen shift in market share.

Mobilink remained the leader in market share with 36,141,241 subscribers, losing more than 450,000; Telenor lost over 245,000 subscribers and closed the month of December at 30,564,465 customers to remain second largest operator. Ufone, the third largest operator in terms of subscriber base lost over 500,000 subscriptions in December shrinking it to 23,809,099. Zong being the fourth in the race, lost more than 229,000 subscribers to finish at number four with 18,700,507 users at the end of December 2012. Warid was left stranded on the fifth position losing 211,000 subscribers and ending the month at 12,731,050.

The decrease in the subscriber base can be associated with the PTA directives on banning of SIM distribution on retail outlets from December 1 2012 combined with the directive to revoke connection access of SIMs which are more than 5 in number and are registered on one CNIC. The overall setback in the telecom sector has mainly been due to the directives issued by PTA on orders of the government.