The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has suspended the licenses of five Long Distance International (LDI) operators for failing to clear outstanding payment obligations, which collectively amount to nearly Rs. 80 billion.
In its order, PTA directed the defaulting operators to immediately shut down operations and instructed cellular mobile operators as well as value-added service providers to discontinue all facilities being provided to them.
PTA said that despite multiple deadlines and separate hearings, the companies failed to settle their dues. Consequently, the authority issued separate determinations against each operator and revoked their licenses.
According to PTA, the outstanding dues comprise Rs. 24 billion in principal amounts and Rs. 56 billion in late payment surcharges, including long-pending Access Promotion Contribution (APC) and Universal Service Fund (USF) charges.
Currently, 13 LDI licenses are operational in Pakistan. Four were renewed in 2024, while seven expired in the same year. The remaining two licenses are set to expire in 2025 and 2026.
PTA emphasized that despite repeated opportunities, no progress was made either on outstanding payments or license renewals, leading to the current enforcement action.