Pakistan’s mobile users face unreliable 3G and 4G services, despite the promise of 5G. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has not taken significant action against telecom companies for poor service, leading to frustration nationwide. Users report frequent signal drops and slow mobile data, with PTA’s fines yielding limited results.
PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman met with ITU Director Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava to discuss Pakistan’s telecom sector progress and future digital growth. The meeting focused on global best practices, AI training programs, and strengthening emergency communications and regulatory frameworks to enhance Pakistan’s digital transformation.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has set up a stall at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention 2025 in Islamabad, offering telecom-related services to overseas Pakistanis. The stall provides mobile registration services, telecom guidance, and digital services, supporting the government’s digital inclusion goals for both domestic and international Pakistanis.
Starlink is set to launch in Pakistan after receiving its license from the PTA, expected within weeks. The company plans to offer internet services via Low Earth Orbit satellites, targeting remote areas. Starlink’s services will be more affordable in Pakistan compared to the US, with ground stations to be set up.
The PTA has partnered with DeafTawk to provide sign language interpretation services at PTA offices, promoting inclusivity for the deaf community in Pakistan. The collaboration includes the integration of AI-powered tools and online interpretation services, aiming to address communication challenges faced by over ten million deaf individuals in the country.
The PTA has confirmed that internet disruptions in Pakistan are due to a fault in the AAE-1 undersea cable, located near Qatar. The cable connects Pakistan to several international networks, and efforts are underway to repair the issue. Users may continue experiencing slowdowns and connectivity problems across the country.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) carried out 40 raids across various cities in 2023-24, seizing 7,500 illegal SIMs and 152 Biometric Verification System devices. The operation resulted in the arrest of 47 suspects, underscoring PTA’s commitment to eliminating illegal telecom activities and ensuring a secure telecom environment across Pakistan.
Pakistan’s telecom sector saw a decline in cellular subscriptions, 3G/4G users, and mobile broadband penetration in November 2024. The PTA also resolved 99% of complaints, with most concerns related to Cellular Mobile Operators. Despite the drop in users, 4G adoption continued to grow across major operators.
Zong has been ordered by the Islamabad High Court to refund Rs2 billion to affected customers after the company failed to comply with a PTA directive. The case involves illegal service fees charged on prepaid mobile cards, marking a significant step towards greater consumer protection in Pakistan’s telecom sector.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced a new licensing system for VPN providers to regulate and monitor VPN traffic. The system aims to curb unregistered VPNs and increase security. Licensed local VPN providers will be required to comply with national laws and offer services while enabling government oversight for security.
