PTA has proposed the installation of express feeders to address persistent network issues in Karachi, which have been exacerbated by prolonged power outages. The recommendation was made in a formal response to the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, following concerns raised about deteriorating telecom services in the city. PTA’s findings underscore the critical need for reliable power supply to maintain seamless connectivity, particularly in areas experiencing extended load-shedding.
The committee had earlier directed a comprehensive survey to evaluate Karachi’s telecom infrastructure and identify key challenges affecting service quality. PTA’s assessment revealed that while key performance indicators (KPIs) for voice and data services met regulatory standards, network availability remained a major concern due to frequent power failures. Telecom operators have backup power systems in place, but these typically provide battery support for only two to four hours, which is insufficient during prolonged outages. As a solution, PTA has recommended that the government facilitate the installation of express feeders to supply uninterrupted commercial electricity to telecom towers, ensuring enhanced service stability and uptime.
The survey, which covered Karachi’s major districts, including Central, East, South, West, and Malir, highlighted that power outages were the leading cause of network downtime. Despite the robustness of telecom infrastructure, consistent power supply remains a challenge, impacting mobile and internet services across various parts of the city. With Karachi being a commercial and financial hub, ensuring stable telecom services is vital for business continuity, digital connectivity, and economic growth. PTA’s proposal for express feeders aims to mitigate these issues by providing dedicated electricity connections to telecom installations, reducing reliance on limited backup power solutions.
In addition to the Karachi assessment, PTA informed the committee that a survey of the Karachi-Hyderabad Expressway is currently being conducted in the first quarter of 2025 to analyze telecom network performance in that corridor. The results of this survey will help determine further improvements needed for uninterrupted connectivity along the key highway route.
Data from the analysis of System Parameters (OSS KPIs) for the fourth quarter of 2024 indicated that network downtime remained within acceptable limits for operators such as Zong and Ufone. However, Jazz experienced downtime issues in the Malir region, highlighting the impact of power failures on specific service providers. Despite these challenges, call completion rates and 4G data speeds remained above regulatory thresholds, reflecting the resilience of the telecom sector despite infrastructure limitations.
Independent Quality of Service (QoS) surveys conducted in Malir and Keamari in 2024 provided additional insights into network performance. The findings confirmed that overall voice and data services across all mobile operators remained satisfactory. Among the telecom providers, Telenor recorded the highest network availability at 99.40%, while Ufone reported the lowest at 97.70%. In terms of 4G throughput, Telenor led with an average speed of 11.59 Mbps, followed by Jazz at 6.92 Mbps, Zong at 6.21 Mbps, and Ufone at 5.92 Mbps. These figures indicate that while power outages remain a significant hurdle, service providers have managed to maintain reasonable performance levels.
PTA’s proposal to introduce express feeders represents a crucial step toward addressing Karachi’s network reliability issues. If implemented, the initiative could significantly enhance service continuity, ensuring that residents and businesses are not left disconnected during extended power failures. Moreover, the ongoing assessments and regulatory interventions indicate a proactive approach toward strengthening Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, ensuring that the country remains on track in its pursuit of enhanced connectivity and technological advancement.
The effectiveness of the proposed measures will depend on government support, collaboration with power distribution companies, and investment from telecom operators. With Karachi being one of Pakistan’s most populous cities, ensuring stable telecom services is not just a matter of convenience but a necessity for economic activities, digital inclusion, and public safety. As PTA continues to monitor and address network performance issues, the focus remains on building a more resilient and efficient telecom infrastructure that can withstand the challenges posed by inconsistent power supply.
