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ISLAMABAD: Amid concerns about the restrictions surrounding the transfer of e-SIM cards from one phone to another, the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat was informed on Thursday that consumers would soon be able to transfer their e-SIM cards at least 10 times without any cost.
In a meeting chaired by Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, the Senate panel discussed various issues related to the telecom sector, such as the rollout of 5G internet services, mobile network quality, and alternative mechanisms for the issuance of SIM cards.
PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman informed the committee that telecom operators followed different policies, allowing only limited transfers. He added that a uniform policy was being finalised to enable consumers to make at least 10 transfers without cost.
The committee members also expressed concerns over increasing consolidation in the telecom sector, warning that mergers could reduce competition and ultimately affect consumers. The PTA maintained that the telecom sector remained deregulated and competitive, adding that competition was expected to reduce the e-SIM costs in the future.
