PTA has emphasized the need for express feeders to mitigate network disruptions in Karachi caused by frequent and prolonged power outages. In a written response to the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, the regulator outlined the impact of load-shedding on mobile networks, stressing that uninterrupted power supply is essential for ensuring seamless connectivity in Pakistan’s largest city.
The committee had earlier recommended a comprehensive survey to assess Karachi’s telecom infrastructure and identify key problem areas. PTA’s findings confirmed that while voice and data service quality indicators met regulatory standards, network availability remained a pressing issue due to electricity shortages. The survey covered major districts, including Central, East, South, West, and Malir, where telecom outages were found to be directly linked to extended power failures. Despite the presence of backup power systems, the average battery life of two to four hours was insufficient to sustain network operations during prolonged load-shedding, leading to widespread service disruptions.
In response to these challenges, PTA has proposed the installation of express feeders dedicated to telecom infrastructure. These feeders would provide an uninterrupted commercial power supply to telecom towers, significantly improving network uptime and service reliability. The authority urged the government to prioritize the implementation of this solution, highlighting its potential to enhance digital connectivity in Karachi and ensure consistent access to telecom services for businesses and residents.
Additionally, PTA provided updates on its ongoing efforts to monitor and improve telecom services across the region. A detailed survey of the Karachi-Hyderabad Expressway is currently underway in the first quarter of 2025 to assess mobile network performance along this critical route. The regulator also analyzed system performance metrics for the fourth quarter of 2024, revealing that while network downtime remained within acceptable limits for Zong and Ufone, Jazz faced service disruptions in Malir. However, despite power-related outages, call completion rates and 4G data speeds remained above the required thresholds, reflecting the resilience of Pakistan’s telecom sector.
Independent quality-of-service evaluations conducted in 2024 further confirmed the overall stability of Karachi’s mobile networks. Surveys carried out in Malir from February 12 to 14 and in Keamari from May 14 to 17 indicated satisfactory voice and data performance across all operators. Telenor led in network availability, recording an impressive 99.40% uptime, while Ufone had the lowest at 97.70%. In terms of 4G throughput, Telenor once again outperformed competitors 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.
Despite these positive indicators, PTA reiterated that sustained improvements in Karachi’s telecom infrastructure depend on addressing underlying power supply issues. The regulator assured the Standing Committee on IT and Telecom that it remains committed to working with the government and private sector stakeholders to enhance network reliability. Ensuring a stable electricity supply for telecom towers will be crucial in achieving long-term improvements, allowing Karachi’s residents and businesses to fully benefit from modern digital connectivity.
