PTA announces new eSIM pricing policy effective mid-August 2026

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in consultation with Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs), has rationalized charges associated with eSIM services by capping the initial cost of an eSIM at Rs1,500 and allowing subscribers to transfer their eSIMs between compatible mobile handsets free of charge for up to 10 migrations, with the revised policy set to take effect by mid-August 2026.

The development comes in compliance with directions issued by a parliamentary panel, which had instructed the telecom regulator to finalize a revised eSIM transfer policy aimed at making the technology more consumer-friendly while reducing unnecessary visits to customer service centres.

According to the PTA, under the existing mechanism, an eSIM can already be transferred from one mobile phone to another a specified number of times using the same QR code issued during the original purchase and activation, without any additional charges.

However, following consultations with CMOs, the regulator has now formally rationalized the charging structure by reducing the maximum initial eSIM issuance fee to Rs1,500 and introducing free transfers for up to 10 device migrations. The revised framework will become operational by the middle of this month.

The parliamentary committee had also directed the PTA to develop a secure digital mechanism enabling subscribers to migrate eSIMs between compatible devices without having to visit customer service centres, while ensuring robust security standards.

Separately, the PTA has informed the committee that it is actively working with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and cellular operators to introduce a multi-factor subscriber verification mechanism aimed at strengthening the security of SIM issuance and ownership verification.

The regulator said a two-pronged strategy is currently under consideration.

Under the first proposal, NADRA is assessing the feasibility of enabling SIM issuance through its Pak ID mobile application using facial recognition technology.

The initiative is expected to allow eligible users to complete identity verification remotely, reducing dependence on physical biometric verification.

The second proposal envisages introducing self-service biometric verification through mobile applications of cellular operators. Under this mechanism, subscribers would be able to authenticate themselves through NADRA’s database using the operators’ apps for SIM issuance and related services.

The PTA said consultations with NADRA and CMOs are continuing to finalize the technical and operational framework for both initiatives.

The committee had specifically instructed the regulator to ensure that the new verification mechanism incorporates facial recognition and iris verification technologies while providing facilitation for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other subscribers who face difficulties in conventional biometric verification.