Pakistan’s broadband users continue to face unstable connections, slow peak-hour speeds, lagging video calls, and delays when accessing international websites, despite basic internet speeds being available nationwide. The quality of service, regulators say, depends heavily on whether providers are investing in network upgrades.
Following a nationwide performance survey for Q4 2025, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued stern warnings to multiple fixed broadband operators over persistent service shortcomings. The assessment revealed serious deficiencies in network reliability, with availability, latency, and jitter emerging as systemic issues.
Core network nodes failed to meet mandatory benchmarks for Classic Broadband, Net Cloud Telecom, and Khan Telecommunications. Access network failures were recorded for Classic Broadband and Net Cloud Telecom, exposing millions of users to unstable connections and frequent disruptions.
Latency, a key factor in smooth browsing and real-time applications, was found to be excessively high across several networks. Cyber Internet Services and Air Touch Wireless struggled with local latency, while Global Connect Synergy, Nasstec Airnet, Cyber Internet Services, and Wancom exceeded international latency limits—pointing to inefficient routing and weak backbone infrastructure.
Performance in video calls and online gaming was also impacted. PTCL, Global Xperts, and Nasstec Airnet recorded jitter levels above permissible thresholds, leading to choppy calls and unstable real-time experiences.
Although overall bandwidth utilisation remained below 80 percent and all operators met minimum speed requirements of 4 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload, peak-hour congestion continued to degrade user experience.
The operators cited by the PTA include:
- Classic Broadband
- Net Cloud Telecom
- Khan Telecommunications
- Cyber Internet Services
- Air Touch Wireless
- Global Connect Synergy
- Nasstec Airnet
- PTCL
- Global Xperts
- Wancom
The PTA has directed all non-compliant providers to urgently expand network capacity, optimise local and international routing, and strengthen redundancy to ensure service reliability. The regulator warned that failure to comply could result in strict regulatory action, adding that continuous monitoring will remain in place to protect consumers.
