ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has clarified that it has not stopped SMS bundles and call packages as reportedly in a section of the media.
In a statement‚ a PTA spokesman said that the authority has rather directed the Cellular Mobile Operators to stop late night and chat packages after receiving complaints about negative social effects of such services.
Earlier also, PTA after receiving various complaints from Hon’able Supreme Court of Pakistan, Standing Committee of the Parliament, various senators and MNAs and the consumers has taken up the matter with the CMOs on the issue of negative social effects of late night packages and chat services. In this regard series of meeting were held with Cellular Mobile Industry subsequent to which PTA letter was issued to all CMOs to stop late night packages/ chat services.
It is further clarified that the latest letter dated 29 August, 2013 is continuation of the previous letter regarding chat services. During the survey, it was observed that some chat services were still being offered by the CMOs. PTA acting on various complaints, issued a new letter barring such chat services.