PTCL Secures CCP Phase-II Approval for Telenor Pakistan Acquisition
Pakistan’s telecom landscape is set for a major transformation as the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) grants Phase-II approval to PTCL for the acquisition of Telenor Pakistan. This marks one of the biggest consolidation moves in the country’s telecom history, promising stronger connectivity, improved coverage, and a more robust digital ecosystem.
The milestone follows the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) signed on August 14, 2024, between Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and Telenor Pakistan BV (TPBV), covering the acquisition of Telenor Pakistan (Private) Limited and Orion Towers (Private) Limited.
PTCL Welcomes CCP’s Green Light
After the announcement, PTCL released a statement expressing gratitude for the CCP’s transparent and extensive review. The company assured customers, partners, and industry stakeholders that it will continue to comply with all regulatory frameworks as the acquisition progresses.
What the CCP Phase-II Approval Means
The Phase-II evaluation was the most exhaustive merger review in CCP’s history, conducted under the Competition Act, 2010, and Merger Control Regulations, 2016. Using the Substantially Lessening of Competition (SLC) test, the Commission confirmed that the deal poses no significant threats to market competition.
With this approval, PTCL can now advance toward the final stages of the acquisition, pending additional legal and corporate formalities.
How the PTCL–Telenor Merger Will Benefit Pakistan
The consolidation is expected to reshape the telecom sector, offering wide-ranging benefits:
1. Expanded Network Coverage
The integration of Ufone (PTML) and Telenor’s network infrastructure will improve service quality and nationwide connectivity.
2. Better User Experience
Millions of customers can expect enhanced performance, stronger signals, and improved customer service.
3. Boost to Digital Pakistan Vision
The merger will accelerate innovation, promoting new digital solutions and advanced telecom services.
4. Higher Operational Efficiency
The combined entity will reduce duplication, streamline resources, and operate more efficiently.
5. Healthier Industry Competition
A more capable market player will push the entire sector toward greater innovation and better customer-centric solutions.
Remaining Steps Before Full Acquisition Completion
Although CCP approval is a major milestone, the deal isn’t fully closed. PTCL must still:
Secure all remaining regulatory and corporate sign-offs
Finalize legal documentation
Complete formal execution of additional agreements
Only after these steps are completed will the acquisition officially conclude.
Inside CCP’s Detailed Review Process
The CCP conducted a thorough investigation from September 2024 to August 2025, making it one of Pakistan’s most comprehensive merger reviews. Key components included:
Five open hearings involving telecom stakeholders
Confidential meetings with PTCL, Telenor, and other operators
Collection of significant data, including:
Financial statements
Interconnection agreements
Future business plans
The Commission evaluated multiple telecom segments such as:
Mobile services
LDI (long-distance & international)
Fixed-line services
Leased lines & IP bandwidth
Despite external pressure to speed up the process, CCP Chairman Dr. Kabir Sidhu stressed transparency and strict adherence to legal standards.
Legal Challenges Faced During the Review
A legal objection emerged in February 2025, claiming that the CCP had become “functus officio,” meaning it no longer had authority over the case. The Commission rejected the argument, affirming that it operated within its legal mandate and in the public’s best interest.
This reinforced the importance and sensitivity of the merger while showcasing the Commission’s commitment to fairness.
Pakistan’s Review Compared to Global Telecom Mergers
The PTCL–Telenor merger review followed international best practices and maintained a competitive timeline compared to major global telecom mergers.
| Merger | Review Duration |
|---|---|
| Vodafone & Three UK | 23 months |
| Sprint & T-Mobile (USA) | 22 months |
| PTCL & Telenor Pakistan | 18 months |
This comparison showcases Pakistan’s efficient yet thorough regulatory process, reinforcing its growing maturity in telecom oversight.
Conclusion: A New Era for Pakistan’s Telecom Sector
The CCP’s Phase-II approval of PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan signals a transformative moment for the country’s telecom industry. While final approval stages remain, the merger is expected to deliver better connectivity, increased digital innovation, and a more competitive market.
As PTCL moves closer to finalizing the deal, millions of mobile users across Pakistan can look forward to improved services and a telecom future aligned with the Digital Pakistan vision.
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