Will PTA reduce approval fees for Apple iPhone, Samsung smartphones in Pakistan?

RAWALPINDI: In recent developments in the Pakistani mobile market, several local mobile shop owners are allegedly advising 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) might soon announce a reduction in PTA-approval charges for these high-end smartphones.

It is crucial to note that there has been no official notification or announcement from the telecom authority regarding any reduction in approval fees.

Despite this, some potential buyers are entertained by the idea that such a reduction could be imminent. It is essential to highlight that, to use a SIM card in any smartphone, the device must be PTA-approved, or else SIMs do not function in non-PTA-approved phones.

The origin of these claims within the Pakistani mobile market remains unclear. Some speculate that it could be a strategic move to boost mobile sales or alleviate potential buyers’ concerns, assuring them that they can purchase their desired flagship smartphones now and pay the reduced PTA approval fee later.

The true nature of the PTA’s stance on reducing approval fees for high-end mobile phones remains uncertain. Some suggest it might be a strategic manoeuvre by the PTA to encourage timely payment of approval fees, discouraging the use of non-PTA-approved phones, which is reportedly causing significant financial losses to the country.

Individuals often opt for non-PTA phones due to their lower cost compared to officially approved devices, despite the inconvenience of SIM cards ceasing to function on these devices.

This behaviour contradicts the purpose of the charges imposed by the PTA to ensure payment for approval fees. Some users resort to acquiring counterfeit CPIDs or manipulating their phone’s IMEI to evade the country’s tax system and PTA fees.

Notably, the present 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 abounds regarding a potential reduction in this fee, with rumors 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, unveiling whether the PTA genuinely intends to lower approval fees, not only for specific smartphones but also for all high-end devices, encompassing those manufactured by Apple, Samsung, One Plus, and others.

Read next: What will be the petrol price in Pakistan for the first two weeks of February 2024?