May 24, 2021

PTA directs CMOs to Seek Prior Consent of Consumers before Activation of Value Added Services

Islamabad (24h May 2021): Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has directed Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) to send mandatory confirmation messages to their consumers to get explicit consent for opting in or activation of Value Added Services. CMOs have further been directed to submit compliance report within three weeks from issuance of the order.

PTA was in receipt of consumers’ complaints that Value Added Services, including Third Party Content / games, are sometimes activated by mobile operators without prior consent of consumers. PTA has taken serious notice of such complaints as activation of any Value Added Services without explicit consent of consumers is violation of Clause 9 (3) (vii) of “Telecom Consumers Protection Regulations, 2009”.

This step is expected to provide great relief to mobile consumers. PTA is committed to protect the interests of users of telecommunication services in Pakistan.

 

Khurram Ali Mehran

(Director PR)