Telecom operators have raised concerns over steep increases in charges for laying and maintaining telecom infrastructure at Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Estate (QIE) in Lahore, warning that higher right-of-way costs could eventually put pressure on internet and telecom service prices.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Access Providers Association (PTAPA) has approached Punjab authorities and the federal government, seeking intervention over the revised charges introduced by QIE management.
Under the new rates, the annual rent for aerial telecom cables has increased from Rs. 50 to Rs. 300 per meter, representing a 500% increase in the annual charge.
PTAPA has described the overall revisions as excessive and warned that higher infrastructure costs could affect the expansion and cost of telecom services.
Underground cable charges also increased
The revised QIE rates have also significantly increased the cost of installing underground telecom infrastructure.
The one-time right-of-way (ROW) fee for buried cables has increased from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1,000 per meter, a 233% increase.
Annual rent for underground cables has risen from Rs. 100 to Rs. 300 per meter, representing a 200% increase.
Meanwhile, the one-time supervision fee for buried cables has increased from Rs. 80 to Rs. 250 per meter, a rise of 212.5%.
PTAPA said the increased charges could make telecom infrastructure deployment more expensive for operators, particularly as companies continue to expand broadband and connectivity services.
PTAPA questions QIE right-of-way charges
The telecom association has argued that the revised charges are inconsistent with the federal government’s Public & Private Right of Way Policy Directives.
PTAPA has urged Punjab authorities and the federal government to ensure that the approved ROW policy is implemented across relevant public and private entities.
According to the association, right-of-way charges imposed by public authorities should follow a no-profit-no-loss principle.
It said such charges should primarily cover the actual cost of providing the relevant service rather than become a source of commercial revenue for authorities or estate management bodies.
Operators object to additional NOC charges
PTAPA has also raised concerns over additional permission and No Objection Certificate (NOC) charges for telecom infrastructure.
The association argued that telecom operators already pay approved tariffs when using poles belonging to electricity distribution companies and should therefore not face additional charges for permissions relating to the same infrastructure.
PTAPA has requested urgent government intervention, particularly in cases where permissions for laying new telecom infrastructure are reportedly being withheld.
Higher costs could affect telecom expansion
The association warned that continued restrictions and higher telecom right-of-way charges in Pakistan could slow the deployment of new infrastructure.
Industrial estates such as QIE depend on reliable internet and telecommunications services for businesses, manufacturers and other commercial operations. Delays in infrastructure deployment could therefore affect the availability and expansion of connectivity services.
PTAPA has called for the revised QIE charges to be reviewed and aligned with the federal Right of Way Policy, arguing that a consistent regulatory framework is necessary to support telecom infrastructure investment.
The dispute comes as Pakistan continues to expand broadband and digital connectivity, making the cost and availability of telecom infrastructure increasingly important for businesses and consumers.
