Islamabad
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has formally submitted an application to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) seeking approval for the merger of Telenor Pakistan and Ufone, marking a major step toward consolidation in the country’s telecom sector, official sources said on Friday.
The move follows PTCL Group’s recent acquisition of Telenor Pakistan and Orion, aimed at strengthening its mobile operations. By integrating Telenor’s network and subscriber base with Ufone’s existing infrastructure, PTCL plans to streamline operations and expand market reach.
Sources said the PTA is expected to complete its initial review within six to eight weeks. The regulator will examine the merger’s business structure, tower assets, and network infrastructure, alongside the proposed transfer and consolidation of spectrum holdings and operating licences.
The authority will also assess the deal’s impact on consumer interests and market competition, with particular focus on potential spectrum concentration before granting formal approval.
Following PTA clearance, the proposal will move to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) for further approval. The final step requires court endorsement of a Scheme of Arrangement, a mandatory legal process to complete the transaction.
Industry sources estimate the entire regulatory and legal process could take five to six months.
Telecom analysts say the merger could generate operational efficiencies, improve network coverage, and enhance service quality for consumers, while reshaping competition among Pakistan’s remaining mobile operators.
