3 min read
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has directed multiple fixed broadband service providers to take immediate corrective action after failing to fully meet quality standards during the fourth quarter of 2025.
The survey revealed that network availability, latency, and jitter remain major challenges for certain operators. Core node availability fell below required thresholds for Classic Broadband, Net Cloud Telecom, and Khan Telecommunications, while access node availability was also insufficient for Classic Broadband and Net Cloud Telecom, raising concerns over service reliability.
Latency problems were observed across both local and international networks. Cyber Internet Services and Air Touch Wireless faced high local latency, while Global Connect Synergy, Nasstec Airnet, Cyber Internet Services, and Wancom exceeded international latency benchmarks.
Excessive jitter, affecting video calls and online gaming, was reported for PTCL, Global Xperts, and Nasstec Airnet. Bandwidth utilization generally remained below the 80% threshold, but some networks experienced peak-hour congestion, resulting in slower speeds. On a positive note, all operators met minimum throughput requirements with download speeds of at least 4 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 Mbps.
Detailed Survey Results
| KPI / Metric | Operators with Issues | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Core Node Availability | Classic Broadband, Net Cloud Telecom, Khan Telecommunications | Below required thresholds, affecting reliability |
| Access Node Availability | Classic Broadband, Net Cloud Telecom | Non-compliant at access nodes |
| Local Latency | Cyber Internet Services, Air Touch Wireless | Elevated latency impacting local network performance |
| International Latency | Global Connect Synergy, Nasstec Airnet, Cyber Internet Services, Wancom | Exceeded benchmark, inefficient routing & backbone connectivity |
| Jitter | PTCL, Global Xperts, Nasstec Airnet | Above permissible limits, affecting video calls & gaming |
| Bandwidth Utilization | Some operators during peak hours | Generally below 80%, but congestion noted during peak periods |
| Data Throughput | All surveyed operators | Met minimum speeds: 4 Mbps download / 2 Mbps upload |
PTA’s Directives
The authority has instructed all non-compliant operators to:
- Enhance network capacity to reduce congestion
- Optimize local and international routing paths
- Strengthen network redundancy and resilience
PTA warned that failure to sustain compliance could lead to regulatory enforcement action and emphasized continued monitoring.
Commitment to Consumers
The PTA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and improved broadband service quality, highlighting that QoS surveys are a vital tool to protect consumer interests and support Pakistan’s growing digital ecosystem.
While the survey indicates that basic broadband speeds are being met nationwide, persistent issues with latency, jitter, and network availability show that operators must invest more in capacity upgrades and infrastructure improvements. Regulatory oversight is essential, but true service quality improvements will come only if operators prioritize network modernization to meet the increasing demands of Pakistan’s digital users.
