Senate IT Committee to Review Rising Mobile Data and Call Rates. Rising mobile data and call rates in Pakistan have become a major concern for millions of users. To address this issue, the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication has scheduled an important meeting on December 9. The session aims to review recent tariff hikes, evaluate the response of mobile operators, and discuss steps taken by the government to protect consumer rights.
This SEO-friendly article covers all key agenda points, including tariff reviews, service suspensions, data privacy concerns, illegal call center operations, and updates on nationwide mobile coverage.
Why the Senate IT Committee Called This Meeting
In recent months, telecom users across Pakistan have reported a noticeable increase in:
- Mobile data package prices
- Call and SMS rates
- Reduced validity periods for popular bundles
- Extra taxes on recharge
To understand the reasons behind these price hikes, the committee has asked the Ministry of IT and Telecom to provide a complete briefing on:
- Why tariffs increased
- Which operators raised prices
- Whether the pricing is justified
- What measures are in place to protect customers from overcharging
The government wants to ensure that the telecom sector remains fair, regulated, and accountable.
Ministry of IT to Present Full Report on Tariff Hikes
The committee has directed the Minister for IT and Telecom to deliver a detailed update covering:
- The scale of price increases
- Public complaints received by PTA
- Regulatory actions taken so far
- Future steps to keep services affordable
This report is expected to provide clarity for consumers who feel that their telecom expenses are rising beyond their budgets.
Review of Mobile Service Suspension in Lakki Marwat
Another key agenda item is the complaint raised by Senator Atta ur Rehman, who questioned the suspension of mobile network services in District Lakki Marwat.
The committee aims to understand:
- Why the services were suspended
- Whether the shutdown was necessary
- Impact on local residents
- Steps taken to restore network access
Unannounced mobile service suspensions can disrupt local businesses, communication, and emergency access. The Senate wants transparency on such actions.
Data Privacy Concerns: ICT Household Survey App Under Review
The committee has summoned officials from:
- Interior Ministry
- Islamabad Administration
to explain how the data collected through the ICT Household Survey mobile app is:
- Stored
- Protected
- Accessed
- Secured against misuse
Lawmakers want to ensure that no citizen’s personal information is shared with unauthorized individuals or platforms.
Vehicle Monitoring System & E-Tag Data Security Briefing
A dedicated briefing will also examine Islamabad’s vehicle monitoring system, including:
- Real-time tracking features
- How E-Tag user data is stored
- Security protocols to prevent leaks
- Measures to avoid illegal access
With rising digital systems in public transport, ensuring data security is a top priority.
Investigation Into Rs. 1.5 Crore Monthly Bribe Allegations
The committee will investigate serious allegations reported in the media that officials of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) collected Rs. 1.5 crore per month in bribes from illegal call centers.
The Director General of NCCIA has been ordered to explain:
- Internal controls within the agency
- How such bribery could happen
- Actions taken against involved officials
- Reforms to prevent corruption
This step aims to restore public trust in Pakistan’s cyber-crime enforcement agencies.
PTCL and Ufone Board of Directors: Audit and Salary Information
Lawmakers will also review corporate governance matters by seeking information on:
PTCL Audit Status
- Date of the last PTCL audit
- Key findings
- Financial compliance status
Ufone Board of Directors
- Names and positions of board members
- How often they meet
- Remuneration details for the last two years
This transparency helps ensure fair business operations in Pakistan’s largest telecom companies.
PTA to Explain VPN Licensing Rules
The PTA Chairman has been instructed to brief the Senate committee on:
- Licensing rules for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
- Requirements for companies seeking VPN approval
- Future process for VPN registration
- Why strict regulation is necessary
This discussion is important because many businesses rely on VPNs for secure communications.
USF CEO to Present Mobile Coverage Compliance Report
The Universal Service Fund (USF) plays a major role in expanding mobile network coverage across Pakistan. The CEO will present a compliance report based on complaints raised by parliamentarians.
Areas under review include:
- Sukkur–Karachi M-9 Motorway
- N-5 National Highway
- Several districts in Balochistan
- Umerkot
- Abbottabad
- Kashmore
Issues include:
- Weak signals
- No coverage zones
- Delayed tower installations
This report will show what steps are taken to ensure better service across remote and urban areas.
Who Will Chair the Meeting?
The session will be led by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan and held at the Old PIPS Hall in Islamabad. Committee members have been urged to attend fully, as the discussions will shape the future of Pakistan’s telecom policies.
Impact of This Meeting on Pakistani Consumers
If the committee takes strong action, consumers may benefit from:
- More affordable mobile data and call packages
- Transparent telecom pricing policies
- Better service quality nationwide
- More secure handling of personal data
- Stronger governance in cybercrime agencies
- Improved coverage on highways and rural areas
This meeting could push telecom operators to reconsider unnecessary price increases and improve service standards.
Conclusion
The Senate IT Committee’s review of rising mobile data and call rates is a crucial step toward protecting Pakistani consumers. With detailed briefings on tariffs, service suspensions, data privacy, cybercrime allegations, and nationwide coverage issues, the meeting aims to bring transparency and stronger regulation to the telecom sector. The decisions made on December 9 will influence future pricing, service quality, and digital security for millions of mobile users across the country.
