PTA rejects claims of Jazz overbilling, clarifies no report submitted to PM

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has vehemently denied reports that Jazz overcharged its customers during fiscal year 2023–24.

The regulator explained that no such overbilling occurred and emphasized that all tariff changes were approved in accordance with the extant regulatory framework.

Sources from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed Daily Ausaf that reports stating the PTA submitted its version to the Prime Minister are misleading. They explained that the PTA has merely made its rejection of Jazz’s overbilling claim to the Auditor General of Pakistan.

Audit Report Uncovers Rs6.58 Billion Overbilling by Jazz

The Audit report mentioned cases where Jazz charged over PTA-approved tariffs, which is a violation of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, 1996, and Telecom Consumer Protection Regulations, 2009.

A comparative analysis highlighted popular packages, such as “Monthly Super Duper” charged at Rs1,043 against the approved Rs955, “Monthly Freedom” at Rs1,739 against Rs1,652, and “Monthly YouTube & Social Offer” at Rs434 against Rs348. The latter was responsible for an estimated Rs2.12 billion of overbilling, the report stated.

The audit also faulted PTA’s regulation, citing blanket approvals and a system that enabled quarterly tariff hikes of as much as 15 percent. Senators will question the regulator on why tariff compliance was not implemented and what remedial steps are in the works.

As consumer complaints increase over network performance and billing procedures, the committee asserts that the session will establish the tone for parliament’s more intense oversight of telecommunication providers and stronger regulation by the regulator.

Jazz Denies Claims, Assures Compliance

Additionally, Jazz also rejected the AGP’s remarks as baseless and misleading. The company clarified that all services and tariffs were only initiated after the PTA’s approval. It further explained that detailed records, documented approvals, and contributions had already been lodged before the relevant authorities, substantiating its regulatory compliance.

The teleco operator ensured its subscribers that its services continue to be just, affordable, and completely in line with the law. Jazz reaffirmed its dedication to providing transparent and credible services to millions of customers in Pakistan.

Earlier, the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication had called the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on August 25 to clarify an audit report stating that Jazz charged Rs6.58 billion in excess from the subscribers.

The lawmakers were to ask the regulator about a provision allowing quarterly tariff hikes of up to 15 percent and request a three-year examination of operators’ capital expenditures and the quality of services.

Referring to the Senate Secretariat notice, the PTA chairman was instructed to present the committee with investment trends, voice and data performance surveys, and regulatory measures taken to protect consumers.

Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan was to preside over the session, while Senators Kamran Murtaza, Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, and Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan are present. Committee Secretary Syed Khurram Hussain has requested that all stakeholders appear with supporting documents.