Both direct current (d.c.) and alternating current (a.c.) conductivity measurements were undertaken on lead zirconate titanate (PZT) films synthesized by laser ablation deposition. Direct current (I) displayed an initial time dependence of the form I ∝ t−γ(γ ∝ 0.5–1.0). The possible reasons for this time dependence are discussed. At lower temperatures, the a.c. electrical conductivity shows a frequency dependence of the form σ ∝ ω′ which is explained as electrical charge hopping. At higher temperatures, the d.c. component of electrical conductivity becomes dominant, and is accompanied by a strong low frequency dispersion of the dielectric constant. The results are compared to published data on conductivity in SrTiO3, and discussed in terms of the latest theories for dielectric response of materials.