Key Takeaways
- The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) identified network issues in 166 sites.
- Telecom operators were directed to resolve the problems within a specified timeframe.
- The PTA will continue to monitor and improve network performance.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has identified and ordered the resolution of network issues in 166 sites across the country, as part of efforts to improve telecom service quality and address consumer complaints.
The monitoring activities, conducted from October 15 to 22, covered areas in Karachi, Quetta, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Kasur, Pattoki, Kot Radha Kishan, Nowshera Virkan, Torghar, Faisalabad, and Gilgit-Baltistan, among others.
During the inspections, the PTA found issues related to mobile network coverage and the quality of voice and internet services, which were reported by Pakistan’s internet users as slow speeds and unreliable mobile coverage.
The PTA has directed telecom operators to resolve the problems within the specified timeframe, with the authority’s 12 zonal offices coordinating with relevant stakeholders.
The PTA’s parliamentary secretary, Sabeen Ghauri, stated that 5G was available in 24 cities, with nationwide expansion expected to take another two years. She also noted that 4G users averaged download speeds of 18.9 Mbps, while 5G was available for just 3.95 percent of users’ connected time.
During the National Assembly session, PPP lawmaker Aseefa Bhutto Zardari reported that neither 4G nor 5G was working properly in Nawabshah, while presiding officer Abdul Qadir Patel questioned the push for 5G when existing services remained unreliable.
The PTA will continue to coordinate with telecom operators, relevant organizations, and local administrations to improve network performance and ensure more reliable telecom services for consumers across Pakistan.
The authority emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring and improvement to address the concerns of internet users and enhance the overall quality of telecom services in the country.
