ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has revoked the licenses of five Long Distance International (LDI) operators after they failed to clear outstanding dues totaling nearly Rs. 80 billion.
The enforcement order mandates an immediate shutdown of operations by the defaulting firms. PTA has also instructed cellular mobile operators and value-added service providers to discontinue all services to these entities.
Despite multiple hearings and extended deadlines, the companies failed to settle Rs. 24 billion in principal payments and Rs. 56 billion in surcharges — including long-overdue Access Promotion Contribution (APC) and Universal Service Fund (USF) charges.
Of the 13 LDI licenses currently active in Pakistan, four were renewed in 2024, seven expired the same year, and two are set to expire in 2025 and 2026. PTA emphasized that no progress was made on either payments or renewals, prompting decisive regulatory action.