The proposed rebranding of cellular operator Ufone to UAE-based telecom brand “e&” is awaiting approval from the governments of Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, a parliamentary committee was informed.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman retired Maj Gen Hafeezur Rehman told the committee that the Privatisation Commission had directed the regulator not to approve the proposed rebranding without the required government-level clearance.
Ufone management had sought permission to adopt the “e&” brand following PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan.
Information Technology Secretary Zarar Hasham Khan told the committee that Pakistan Telecommunication Mobile Limited (PTML) had formally approached the PTA for approval to change Ufone’s brand name.
He said the proposal was currently under consideration, with differing views emerging from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) and the PTA.
The committee was informed that any change in Ufone’s name would have to comply with applicable laws and regulations and would require approval from the federal government.
During the meeting, the committee also discussed persistent connectivity problems across the country.
The PTA chairman attributed connectivity issues in major cities partly to the ongoing integration of Ufone and Telenor networks and the rollout of 5G services. He assured lawmakers that the problems were expected to be resolved by next month.
The committee also expressed concern over Pak Datacom’s decision to shift its satellite-based connectivity services from the national PakSat system to the UAE-based Yahsat network.
Members warned that the move could have implications for national security and sought greater clarity regarding the decision.
Meanwhile, the committee deferred discussion on Starlink’s licensing matter after the PTA clarified that no licence application from the satellite internet company was currently pending before the regulator.
The authority said the matter remained subject to clearances from other relevant government departments.
