Islamabad: In a continued bid to thwart the sale of new mobile phone SIMs without proper documentation, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has directed five GSM mobile phone operators to immediately seal and terminate registration of their 11 more franchisees located in different cities across the country. These franchisees were selling mobile connections without following the standard procedure laid down by PTA.

According to the details, the Authority has issued written directions to  mobile phone companies for the closing of three franchisees of Mobilink (i.e. Mobilink, Tando Adam, A.H. Communication, Shop No.1, 2, 3 Nishat Plaza, Near MCB, Jhang Road, Muzaffargarh and Mobilink Franchisee, Near Police Station By Pass Road, Pishin), two franchisees of Ufone (i.e Mariyum Communication, Multan Road, Muzaffargarh, and Ufone Franchisee, College Road, Chaman), two franchisees of Warid Telecom (i.e. Tahah Communications, Rustam Shaheed Road, Tando Jam and Warid Franchisee, Near Police Station, By pass Road, Pishin), two franchisees of Telenor Pakistan (i.e. Telenor Tando Allah Yar and Telenor Tando Adam) and two franchisees of CMPak (Paktel) (i.e. Paktel Sales & Customer Services Center, Station Road, Mirpur Khas and Paktel Tando Adam).

It may be recalled that PTA took similar action against six franchisees of mobile operators in September 2007 on violation of PTA procedures for sale of new mobile connections. This is inline with PTAâ??s commitment to streamline the sale of new mobile connections across the country and to take strict action against the SIM sellers not adhering to the standard procedures.

PTA has taken serious view of non-verification of SIMs and has warned for further action against franchisees violating PTA procedures for issuance of new SIMS. A clear policy has already been devised and issued to mobile operators for verification of subscriberâ??s antecedents and cleaning of old data.

It may be mentioned that surveys of customer service centers, franchisees and retailers of all mobile companies have been conducted by PTA Zonal offices located at Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi and Quetta to determine the progress on issuance of new phone connection after fulfilling all requirements in line with the instructions of the Authority. The shortcomings observed on part of the mobile phone operators in these surveys were communicated to the heads of mobile companies for their redressal.  They were also informed about the possible legal actions against those who violate the procedures.

 

Khurram Ali Mehran

Deputy Director (PR)