ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s telecom operators have submitted detailed data to a government joint task force as authorities examine a proposal to shift the sector from commercial to industrial electricity tariffs, industry sources said.

The task force had sought information from telecom companies on their electricity costs, consumption patterns and the financial impact of the existing tariff structure.

Operators provided data covering telecom sites across the country, including their electricity consumption and overall power-related expenses, according to sources.

The companies also shared details of the financial impact arising from the difference between commercial and industrial electricity tariffs, along with records of electricity bill payments.

Telecom operators submitted data on load-shedding durations and their impact on network operations, as well as the additional costs incurred on diesel and backup power during outages.

Details of telecom sites relying on generators and other backup systems were also provided to the task force, highlighting the additional operating costs associated with unreliable power supply.

The operators further identified telecom infrastructure requiring uninterrupted electricity supply to maintain essential connectivity and network services.

The telecom industry has called for the application of industrial electricity tariffs instead of commercial rates, arguing that lower power costs would support the sector’s operations and investment.

Operators also submitted information on their investments and the telecom sector’s contribution to the national economy as part of the task force’s assessment.

The task force is also reviewing proposals for smart grids and dedicated power feeders alongside the industrial tariff proposal, sources said.

The review could have significant implications for telecom operators’ operating costs and the reliability of mobile and digital connectivity across Pakistan.