ONIC has assured customers that its services remain uninterrupted, following reports of regulatory action concerning its operating structure.
The digital telecom brand said customers could continue using its services. It also reaffirmed its commitment to connectivity, customer support and service standards.
“ONIC would like to reassure its customers that there is no disruption to its services, and customers can continue to use uninterrupted services.”
“We remain fully committed to serving our customers and maintaining the highest standards of connectivity, service and support.”
“Our customers remain our top priority, and we appreciate their continued trust and confidence in ONIC.”
Assurance focuses on existing customers
The statement addresses service continuity but does not detail how ONIC will respond to the reported regulatory directions.
ONIC’s official website identifies it as a digital brand of Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (PTML), which also operates Ufone.
Business Recorder reported on September 15 that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority had ordered PTML to halt ONIC’s commercial operations immediately. The reported restrictions cover new sales, activations, SIM and eSIM issuance, subscriptions and marketing.
However, the report said PTA allowed three months from receipt of the order to migrate existing ONIC customers to PTML. That period aims to protect subscribers from disruption.
The reported migration window applies exclusively to existing customers. It does not authorise continued commercial operations or new customer acquisition.
ONIC’s assurance therefore concerns continued connectivity. It does not establish that PTA has withdrawn or suspended its directions.
Why PTA questioned the arrangement
According to Business Recorder, PTA concluded that ONIC’s structure falls within the Mobile Virtual Network Operator framework.
PTML had argued that ONIC was its own digital brand, operating through an outsourced services arrangement. The company maintained that subscribers, spectrum, numbering and regulatory responsibility remained with PTML.
The regulator reportedly found that ONIC’s operations went beyond a conventional brand arrangement.
Its findings cited customised packages, separate billing and customer-management systems, and dedicated digital support platforms. PTA also identified significant commercial and customer-facing responsibilities handled by another entity, DTMS.
These included marketing, customer acquisition, identity-verification processes, SIM logistics and customer services.
The report said PTA also raised concerns about subscriber information, data security, service quality and business continuity.
Two routes to regulatory compliance
The reported decision gives PTML two options.
It can restructure ONIC as an unambiguous PTML product within its existing mobile network licence. This would require removing features that make it an independently operated MVNO proposition.
Alternatively, the relevant company must obtain an MVNO licence to retain that structure.
PTA also reportedly required a compliance report within seven working days of receiving the order.
ONIC’s media statement did not identify its preferred route or announce migration arrangements. It also gave no details about potential changes to customer accounts, packages or SIMs.
Its immediate message to subscribers remains that services continue without disruption.
