ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has announced plans to develop a Geographic Information System based web portal aimed at improving the monitoring of telecom network coverage, infrastructure deployment and service quality across the country. The initiative is designed to strengthen regulatory oversight by integrating geographic data with telecom performance metrics on a centralized digital platform, enabling more structured and data driven supervision of the sector.
Under the proposed framework, the portal will collect, organise and visualise network related information submitted by telecom operators nationwide, including data from remote and underserved regions such as Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. By mapping infrastructure locations and coverage footprints, the system is expected to provide regulators with a clearer understanding of regional disparities in connectivity and service standards. Officials believe that consolidating such information into an interactive mapping environment will support more informed policy interventions aimed at expanding access and improving quality of service, particularly in areas where digital inclusion remains limited.
The GIS based portal will enable PTA to visualise telecom towers, coverage zones and key performance indicators through interactive digital maps. This capability is intended to assist in identifying coverage gaps, tracking infrastructure expansion and monitoring quality of service trends over time. In addition to visual representation, the system is expected to incorporate analytical tools that allow the regulator to assess compliance, evaluate service benchmarks and plan future network improvements in coordination with operators. By combining spatial data with operational metrics, PTA aims to enhance transparency, improve efficiency in sector oversight and facilitate evidence based decision making.
According to the official notice, the project will be managed from PTA headquarters in Islamabad and forms part of broader efforts to modernise regulatory mechanisms in line with evolving technological demands. As Pakistan prepares for next generation connectivity and works to address persistent service disparities between urban and rural areas, the proposed GIS platform is positioned to serve as a foundational tool for structured monitoring and strategic planning within the telecom sector.
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