Pakistani banks and telecommunications companies traded accusations before a Senate committee over alleged overcharging of bank customers for SMS services, with both sides blaming each other for the Rs26 billion in disputed fees. Banks claim they operate at a loss (Rs7bn annual deficit) after paying telcos 88% more since 2021, while providing mandatory regulatory and security messages with customer consent. The Senate Finance Committee has demanded detailed transaction records and rate schedules from both sectors and regulatory bodies (SBP, PTA) to investigate.
Dawn (Pakistan)·PK·about 5 hours ago
Chinese telecommunications operators are expected to reduce capital expenditure to its lowest level in 15 years, creating headwinds for equipment suppliers like ZTE. The contraction reflects slower 5G rollout, network saturation, and potential macro softening in China's tech sector. This signals downstream pressure on the broader telecom supply chain.
Nikkei Asia·CN·about 5 hours ago
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with VEON Group CEO Kaan Terzioglu to discuss investment opportunities in Pakistan's digital sector, highlighting a successful 5G spectrum auction that generated $507 million across three carriers (Zong, Jazz, Ufone). VEON expressed intent to increase investment in Pakistan as the government pursues broader digitalization initiatives including satellite internet, international cable connectivity, and fiber network expansion. The meeting signals continued foreign investor confidence in Pakistan's telecom and digital infrastructure development.
Dawn (Pakistan)·PK·about 5 hours ago