Pakistan is preparing new competition rules for the telecommunications sector that could require dominant telecom operators to provide national roaming access to competing companies.
The proposed framework is aimed at promoting greater competition in the telecom market and improving access to mobile network infrastructure across the country.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has proposed the Telecommunication Competition Rules, 2026, under which the telecom regulator could impose specific obligations on operators considered to have Significant Market Power (SMP).
Under the proposed framework, operators with a dominant position in relevant markets could be required to provide national roaming facilities to other telecom companies.
National roaming allows customers of one mobile network to access another operator’s network in areas where their own provider has limited or no coverage. Such arrangements can potentially improve connectivity while reducing the need for every operator to build infrastructure in every location.
The proposed rules are part of efforts to strengthen competition and ensure that market power does not create barriers for other telecom operators.
The regulator would also have powers to take action when companies fail to comply with obligations established under the new competition framework.
Another key feature of the proposed rules is a mechanism for resolving disputes between telecom operators. This could provide companies with a formal regulatory channel when disagreements arise over network access or other competition-related matters.
The introduction of obligations for operators with Significant Market Power could have implications for Pakistan’s telecom industry, particularly in areas where network infrastructure is concentrated among a limited number of major providers.
For consumers, greater network-sharing arrangements could potentially improve mobile coverage and connectivity in underserved areas. Customers could also benefit indirectly from stronger competition between telecom operators.
However, the exact impact of the proposed framework will depend on the final rules, their approval and the way the regulator applies the new powers.
The draft framework also seeks to establish clearer competition-related responsibilities for telecom operators. By defining regulatory powers and obligations, authorities aim to create a more structured environment for competition within the sector.
Telecom companies are likely to closely monitor the development of the proposed rules, particularly provisions related to Significant Market Power and mandatory national roaming.
The government has yet to finalize the framework, meaning the proposed obligations and enforcement mechanisms could change before the rules are formally implemented.
If approved in their proposed form, the Telecommunication Competition Rules, 2026 could mark a significant development in Pakistan’s telecom regulatory landscape by giving the regulator additional tools to promote network access and competition.
