Islamabad: Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has formally submitted an application to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) seeking approval to merge Telenor Pakistan and Ufone, marking a major step toward consolidation in the country’s telecom sector, official sources said on Monday.
The application follows PTCL Group’s recent acquisition of Telenor Pakistan and Orion, aimed at strengthening its mobile business and expanding market presence. The proposed merger would integrate Telenor’s operations with Ufone’s existing infrastructure, allowing the group to combine network assets, spectrum holdings and customer bases.
Regulatory Review Underway
Sources familiar with the matter said the PTA is expected to complete its initial review within six to eight weeks. During this period, the regulator will examine the merger’s business plan, tower assets, network infrastructure and the proposed consolidation of spectrum and operating licences.
The authority will also assess the potential impact on competition and consumer interests, with particular focus on spectrum concentration — a key regulatory concern in telecom mergers.
Multiple Approvals Required
If cleared by the PTA, the transaction will proceed to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) for further regulatory approval. The final step will involve court endorsement of the Scheme of Arrangement, a mandatory legal requirement to complete the merger.
Industry sources estimate the full regulatory and legal process could take five to six months.
Sector Impact
Analysts say the proposed merger could deliver operational efficiencies, improved network coverage and enhanced service offerings for customers. At the same time, the consolidation is expected to reshape competition among Pakistan’s remaining telecom operators, potentially triggering further strategic moves in the sector.
