STAFF REPORT IBD: Despite the directions of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the countrys cellular mobile operators (CMOs) are charging the consumers with 12 paisas on account of call set-up fee recently imposed by them.
Official sources said that all CMOs are fleecing the consumers with 12-paisa call set-up fee, which is a sheer violation of the directions issued by the PTA.
It is to be mentioned here that the PTA with the start of the new year had directed all the CMOs to immediately stop call set-up fee recently imposed by them. The PTA also directed all CMOs to implement the order without causing any discomfort to the mobile phone subscribers.
“PTA has issued these directions in the light of provision of Telecom Reorganisation Act and Consumer Protection Regulations 2009,” says a press statement of PTA.
However, at the same time the sources also said that the PTA would not initiate strict action in the form of heavy penalty, fine or punishment against the CMOs despite violation of its directions/instructions.
It may be recalled that mobile operators have imposed call set-up charges of Rs 0.10+ tax on each call last week and posted notice on their website about imposition of new charges. PTAs step is aimed at safeguarding customers interests. PTA has asked the operators to immediately stop these charges and furnish compliance report to it.