ISLAMABAD, October 2: A hearing on the proposed merger of PTCL and Telenor is underway in the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP). In this hearing chaired by CCP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, various parties presented their arguments.
Watin Telecom’s counsel urged the CCP to review the impact of the merger on sub-markets of the telecom sector.
Jazz Telecom’s counsel expressed apprehension that the acquisition of Telenor could give PTCL a dominant position in the market. They asked the CCP to impose certain conditions before and after the approval of the merger, including allowing PTCL roaming on its infrastructure and network to other mobile operators.
On the other hand, PTCL’s lawyers termed the merger as an important step for Digital Pakistan, saying it will improve the IT ecosystem.
CCP has sought further clarification from representatives of PTCL, Watin Telecom and PTA and asked PTCL and Telenor to provide additional data. The hearing will resume tomorrow, October 3.
