Telecom users across Pakistan are facing a familiar problem once again, as overall services show instability in several regions. This time, the issue is not limited to mobile data. Instead, complete telecom services are being affected, including both internet and voice calls.
Reports from South Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and smaller cities suggest a clear pattern. Signals drop sharply the moment electricity goes out. In many cases, networks go completely dead, leaving users unable to make calls or access mobile data. As a result, both call quality and internet performance suffer at the same time.
In some areas, the impact is slightly delayed. Users report that after a power failure, coverage and services continue briefly, but then drop after a short time. This indicates that backup systems may work for a limited duration before failing to maintain network operations.
Signals Collapse as Power Outages Hit Networks
Users across Jazz, Zong, Telenor, and Ufone have reported similar experiences. While service may return after some time, the immediate impact of a power outage often leads to total signal loss. This creates serious issues for communication, especially in areas where mobile networks are the primary connection.
The situation is further complicated by the ongoing electricity crisis. Large parts of Punjab, Sindh, and other regions of Pakistan are reportedly facing up to 16 hours of load-shedding daily. In many smaller towns and cities, outages typically last between 8 and 12 hours. Such extended power cuts make it difficult to maintain stable telecom services.
Running generators for such long durations is also a major challenge. Under current fuel cost and austerity conditions, continuous generator usage is not always practical. As a result, telecom towers cannot rely on backup systems for extended periods, which leads to service breakdowns.
Load-Shedding Pressure Exposes Infrastructure Gaps
The situation reflects a deeper infrastructure challenge. Telecom towers depend heavily on a stable power supply to operate smoothly. Although backup systems exist, they often fail to sustain full performance for long. Therefore, when electricity cuts occur, signals either drop instantly or fade out shortly after.
This issue has been observed before in urban areas as well. In Islamabad’s E-11 sector, users previously reported that signals disappeared as soon as power outages began. Such incidents show that the problem is not limited to rural regions but also affects developed areas.
Ufone acknowledged the issue, stating that ongoing nationwide load-shedding is disrupting services. The company explained that frequent outages, often lasting eight hours or more, are affecting network stability. It added that backup battery systems need three to four hours of uninterrupted electricity to recharge, but current outage patterns are limiting this capacity. According to the statement, services should improve once the power supply becomes stable.
Industry discussions suggest that increasing network demand is adding further pressure. However, the link between power outages and signal loss remains the most consistent factor. Even strong networks struggle to maintain service without reliable electricity.
Ufone has also been part of user discussions, with similar complaints about service drops during outages. Like other operators, its performance depends on local infrastructure and backup capacity.
So far, no official nationwide statement has been released by telecom operators. However, the pattern remains clear across user reports. When electricity goes out, signals often disappear immediately or after a short delay, affecting both calls and internet access.
For users, this means ongoing uncertainty. During load-shedding or sudden outages, telecom services may not be reliable at all.
