ISLAMABAD: In recent developments in the Pakistani mobile market, various local mobile shop owners are reportedly asking customers interested in purchasing the latest flagship phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Apple iPhone 15 series, that the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) may soon announce a reduction in PTA-approval charges for these smartphones.
However, some section of media reported that there no official notification or announcement has been made by the PTA regarding any reduction in approval fees. Despite this, some potential buyers are interested by the notion that a reduction might be imminent. It’s important to emphasize that, for any smartphone to use a SIM card, the device must be PTA-approved; otherwise, SIMs won’t function in non-PTA-approved phones.
The source of these claims within the Pakistani mobile market remains unclear. Some speculate that it could be a strategic move to boost mobile sales or allay potential buyers’ concerns by assuring them that they can purchase their desired flagship smartphones now and pay the reduced PTA approval fee later.
Will PTA Reduce Approval Charges for Smartphones in Pakistan?
As per local media reports, the current PTA approval fee for the iPhone 15 Pro Max in Pakistan is a substantial Rs150,000, nearly matching the cost of a PTA-approved iPhone 11 Pro. Speculation is widespread regarding a potential reduction in this fee, with rumours suggesting a possible cut ranging from Rs30,000 to Rs40,000, as mentioned by some mobile shop owners without providing substantiating evidence.
As time progresses, the accuracy of these speculations will come to light, revealing whether the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) genuinely intends to lower approval fees not only for specific smartphones but also for all high-end devices, including those manufactured by Samsung, Apple, One Plus, and others.
