PTCL-Telenor Merger Gets Green Light: CCP Announces Two-Week Decision Timeline
Pakistan’s telecom industry is about to witness its biggest change. The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) says it will decide on the PTCL-Telenor merger within two weeks. This mega deal will reshape the country’s mobile phone and internet landscape.
What the Merger Means
The deal involves PTCL buying Telenor Pakistan and its tower company, Orion Towers. “The proposed sale of Telenor Pakistan to PTCL would create a number two mobile player with a 36% mobile subscriber market share and an estimated 32% revenue share when completed.”
Telenor first announced plans to leave Pakistan in December 2023. Since then, PTCL has been working to complete the purchase and create Pakistan’s second-largest telecom company.
Senate Committee Gets Update
On Thursday, the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology received detailed briefings from telecom regulators. Officials told lawmakers that the merger approval process is almost complete.
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) is likely to approve the merger of Telenor Pakistan with Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), provided its settlement option is accepted.
Why Did It Take So Long
Committee members questioned why a process that took 18 months could suddenly be finished in weeks. Regulators explained that the delay came from missing documents from PTCL.
The CCP had kept the merger file for 18 months. Only recently did PTCL submit all required paperwork, which sped up the final review process.
Key Details About the Deal
- Market Share: The combined company will control 36% of Pakistan’s mobile market
- Revenue Impact: Expected to capture 32% of telecom industry revenue
- Network Expansion: CCP is reviewing plans for improved coverage across Pakistan
- Consumer Benefits: Regulators are ensuring the merger helps customers, not hurts them
- Competition Effects: The deal must not harm healthy market competition
5G Auction Connection
The merger decision directly affects Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction planned for December 2025. The Competition Commission of Pakistan’s (CCP) delay in deciding the acquisition of Telenor Pakistan by Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has raised concerns over meeting the government’s timeline for launching 5G services.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman confirmed readiness for the 5G auction. However, legal issues could still cause delays. The 2,600 MHz spectrum is clear, but other cases need resolution first.
Government Support Speeds Process
With the intervention of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has started to move towards granting approval for the merger.
The Special Investment Facilitation Council’s involvement helped push the approval process forward. This shows government support for completing major telecom deals.
What Happens Next
Senator Afnan Ullah urged using the Attorney General’s Office to clear remaining obstacles. The Ministry of IT confirmed close cooperation with the AGP’s office to fast-track solutions.
Despite senators’ doubts about the December timeline, regulators insisted they are working to resolve all documentation and legal barriers quickly.
The CCP’s final decision will determine Pakistan’s telecom future. Both government officials and telecom operators are waiting for the outcome before moving forward with 5G auction plans.
This merger represents Pakistan’s largest telecom deal and will create the country’s second-biggest mobile phone company. The decision will impact millions of Pakistani mobile users and shape the industry for years to come.
