The government has acknowledged that mobile service disruptions continue to affect several regions across Pakistan despite telecom operators reportedly meeting performance benchmarks set by the regulator. The admission came in a written response presented to the National Assembly by the Minister In-Charge of the Cabinet Division, outlining the ongoing connectivity challenges and measures being taken to address them.
According to the statement, Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) are licensed to maintain uniform quality standards nationwide, as defined by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). However, despite regulatory compliance, certain areas continue to experience weak coverage and unstable connectivity. PTA conducts regular Quality of Service (QoS) assessments, with its standards last revised in 2021 to set higher data throughput targets — 1 Mbps for 3G and 4 Mbps for 4G networks. Officials stated that several external factors, including frequent power outages, limited spectrum availability, inadequate fiber infrastructure, and security challenges in remote regions, have contributed to persistent performance gaps.
In urban centers, network congestion and bureaucratic delays in acquiring right-of-way permissions for infrastructure deployment have further strained service quality. The government noted that unserved and underserved localities are currently being identified for inclusion in Universal Service Fund (USF) projects aimed at expanding coverage. Over the past three years, PTA has conducted 438 field surveys to assess mobile network performance, issuing 39 show-cause notices and imposing Rs68.9 million in fines on telecom operators for failing to meet quality standards. Despite these enforcement measures, service limitations continue to affect rural and high-traffic zones, highlighting the need for stronger infrastructure and additional spectrum resources.
To address the ongoing connectivity issues, the government is preparing to release new spectrum allocations and initiate the introduction of 5G technology in Pakistan. An Advisory Committee, chaired by the Finance Minister, was formed in November 2023 to oversee the process of the upcoming spectrum auction, which is expected to take place by late 2025 or early 2026. The new auction will make 606 MHz of spectrum available — more than double the current capacity — across frequency bands such as 700, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600, and 3500 MHz. PTA has also engaged NERA, a U.S.-based consultancy, to assist in designing the auction framework and developing the 5G rollout plan.
Officials expressed optimism that the planned spectrum expansion will enhance data speeds, minimize call drops, and improve network reliability across the country. The initiative is expected to strengthen overall telecom performance, particularly in underserved areas, while preparing Pakistan’s infrastructure for the next generation of digital connectivity and economic growth.
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