ldi operators in pakistan five defaulting Long Distance & International (LDI) operators - Ldilist LDI Navigating the Landscape of LDI Operators in Pakistan: Challenges and Key Players

Ptaldidefaulter meetings The telecommunications sector in Pakistan has seen dynamic shifts, particularly concerning Long Distance International (LDI) operatorsPOLICY NOTE These entities play a crucial role in facilitating international voice and data traffic, connecting Pakistan to the global networkLDI operators owe Rs24bn to USF - Business However, recent years have highlighted significant regulatory challenges and financial disputes that have impacted the operational status of several LDI operatorsAcme Telecom (Pvt) Ltd has secured a Long Distance

Regulatory Scrutiny and License Revocations

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been actively involved in regulating the LDI sectorWateen Telecom gets 20-year LDI licence renewal In a significant move, the PTA has cancelled the LDI licenses of five telecom operators due to various compliance issuesThe licenses awarded to LL /LDI operatorswill be valid for. 20 years. 11. Regulatory Changes. 11.1 Appropriate changes in the regulatory framework would be  This action underscores the PTA's commitment to ensuring that all licensed entities adhere to regulatory frameworks and financial obligationsAcme Telecom (Pvt) Ltd has secured a Long Distance

Further compounding these regulatory actions, the PTA has also suspended the licenses of five LDI operators over unpaid dues2022616—The number of LDI operators has increased to17after the issuance of licenses for cyber internet services. Previously, 16 LDI operators were  Reports indicate that these LDI operators owe Rs80 billion to the government, with a substantial portion of Rs24 billion representing the principal amountPOLICY NOTE This situation has put several key players under a regulatory cloud, impacting their ability to operateOrient Express – LDI The renewal of licenses for nine LDI operators has been in limbo due to these outstanding financial commitmentsPTA suspends licences of five LDI operators over unpaid Specifically, five LDI operators in Category 1—namely Telecard, Wateen, WorldCall, Wise Communication, and 4B Gentel—had expressed willingness to clear 100% of their dues as of May 2025PTA Licenses New LDI Operator to Boost Competition

The issue of unpaid dues has been a recurring themeLDI operators owe Rs24bn to USF - Business In July 2024, it was reported that most of the licenses of ten operators, including prominent names like Worldcall, Redtone, ADG-LDI, Telecard, and Dancom, were set to expire amidst significant outstanding amountsPTA suspends licences of 5 LDI operators in Pakistan The total dues owed by nine LDI operators collectively amounted to nearly Rs19 billion, as reported in July 2025The contentious issue resurfaced in recent months after the PTA refused to renew the licenses ofseven LDI operatorsunless they cleared their 

Key LDI Operators in the Pakistani Market

Despite the regulatory challenges, several LDI operators continue to be active in Pakistan2025714—The most pressing issue brought before the committee was the financial default bynine LDI operators, who collectively owe nearly Rs. 19 billion  As of May 2025, a total of 13 LDI licenses are operational in PakistanList of Local Loop Operators in Pakistan ·1 Hazara Communication Cable Net (Pvt.) Ltd. · 2 Union Local Loop (Pvt.) Ltd. · 3 Worldcall Telecom Ltd. · 4 Worldcall  Among the entities that have successfully renewed their licenses in 2024 are Telenor, Orient, LinkDOTNet, and ADGAcme Telecom (Pvt) Ltd has secured a Long Distance The renewal of Wateen Telecom's LDI license for a 20-year term, effective November 2025, signifies a long-term commitment from this operatorPTA Issues First LDI License in 8 Years

Historically, the number of LDI operators has fluctuated2025829—PTA suspends licences of five LDI operators over unpaid dues.LDI operators owe Rs80 billion to government, including Rs24 billion in principal  A notable event occurred in June 2022 when the PTA issued its first LDI license in eight years, bringing the total number of LDI operators to 17Acme Telecom (Pvt) Ltdhas secured a Long Distance International (LDI) licence from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA),  This included licenses for cyber internet servicesOrient Express – LDI More recently, in September 2023, the PTA licensed new operators, with Zeta Technologies (Private) Ltd2025513—LDI Licensee for Pakistan. 17. Telenor LDI. Communications (Pvt.) Ltd Pakistan LDI (Pvt.) Ltd.) LDI. LDI-12(11)-. 2004. 16-Aug-24. receiving an LDI license in January and HG Telecommunication (Private) LtdCCP's Appellate Tribunal upholds penalty against telecom in February, aimed at boosting competition within the sectorPTA Licenses New LDI Operator to Boost Competition

Among the established players, Orient Express LDI is recognized as a leading LDI telecommunications company operating across PakistanMajor operators under regulatory cloud as LDI License Another entity, Acme Telecom (Pvt) Ltd, has also secured an LDI license from the PTAThe Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has suspended the licences offive defaulting Long Distance & International (LDI) operatorsand  The spectrum of LDI licensees in Pakistan is diverse, with documented entities such as Telenor LDI Communications (PvtLicense Renewal of Nine LDI Operators in Limbo Amid Rs ) Ltd2024712—Most of the 10 operators' licences will expire in July-August 2024. The LDI operators areWorldcall, Redtone, ADG-LDI, Telecard, Dancom,  and Pakistan LDI (PvtPTA Licenses New LDI Operator to Boost Competition) Ltd2024712—Most of the 10 operators' licences will expire in July-August 2024. The LDI operators areWorldcall, Redtone, ADG-LDI, Telecard, Dancom,  being listed202557—Category 1 includesfive LDI operators—Telecard, Wateen, WorldCall, Wise Communication, and 4B Gentel—who have expressed willingness to pay 100% 

Anti-Competitive Practices and Financial Disputes

Beyond license renewals and dues, LDI operators have also faced scrutiny for anti-competitive practicesThe Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has suspended the licences offive defaulting Long Distance & International (LDI) operatorsand  The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) imposed penalties on several LDI operators, including PTCL, for engaging in anti-competitive behavior related to Interconnection charges (ICH)PTA Suspends Licenses of 5 LDI Operators The CCP's Appellate Tribunal upheld these penalties, reinforcing the importance of fair competition in the telecommunications market2025829—PTA suspends licences of five LDI operators over unpaid dues.LDI operators owe Rs80 billion to government, including Rs24 billion in principal 

The PTA has also been in discussions regarding Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) rates with foreign operators, with LDI operators agreeing to a percentage quota from revenue collected by PTCL202557—Category 1 includesfive LDI operators—Telecard, Wateen, WorldCall, Wise Communication, and 4B Gentel—who have expressed willingness to pay 100% 

The Evolving Regulatory Framework

The regulatory framework for LDI operators in Pakistan has been subject to changes2024712—Most of the 10 operators' licences will expire in July-August 2024. The LDI operators areWorldcall, Redtone, ADG-LDI, Telecard, Dancom,  The de-regulation policy for the telecommunication sector has seen licenses awarded to LL/LDI operators being valid for 20 yearsList of Local Loop Operators in Pakistan | PDF The PTA's stance on LDI operators owe Rs80 billion to government highlights a proactive approach to financial accountability within the industryLists of LDI Licensees 13-05-25 Pakistan.xlsx The market has seen a mix of established LDI operators and new entrants, contributing to a competitive albeit regulated environment2025819—The CCP had imposed penalties of 7.5% of annual turnover on eachLDI operatorincluding the PTCL for entering into an anti-competitive ICH  Understanding the operational status, regulatory compliance, and financial health of these LDI operators is crucial for stakeholders in Pakistan's telecommunication landscapeList of Local Loop Operators in Pakistan ·1 Hazara Communication Cable Net (Pvt.) Ltd. · 2 Union Local Loop (Pvt.) Ltd. · 3 Worldcall Telecom Ltd. · 4 Worldcall  The presence of entities like 1 Hazara Communication Cable Net (PvtPTA Suspends Licenses of 5 LDI Operators) LtdList of Local Loop Operators in Pakistan | PDF further illustrates the varied landscape of telecommunication service providers in the countryAcme Telecom (Pvt) Ltdhas secured a Long Distance International (LDI) licence from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA),