The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued warnings to telecom operators- telcos over slow internet and mobile network performance in certain areas, citing persistent service challenges amid rising demand.
According to the regulator, slow mobile and internet services are often caused by peak-hour congestion, limited fiberization, backhaul constraints, power outages, and geographical factors. PTA stressed that telcos must comply with Quality of Service (QoS) standards and provide consistent connectivity nationwide.
To monitor compliance, PTA carries out system parameter analysis, field surveys, and complaint-based investigations, ensuring telcos meet license obligations. Pakistan’s mobile subscriber base exceeded 210 million users in 2025, highlighting the scale of demand on existing network infrastructure.
The authority noted that the upcoming spectrum auction, which will release additional bandwidth for operators, is expected to reduce congestion and improve broadband performance. In the long term, 5G deployment is seen as a key opportunity to enhance mobile and internet services across the country. Initiatives under the Digital Pakistan vision, including fiber expansion and infrastructure sharing among telcos are also part of efforts to strengthen network capacity and coverage.
While PTA’s warnings and regulatory oversight aim to address immediate service issues, sustained improvements in mobile and internet connectivity will depend on telcos expanding infrastructure, leveraging additional spectrum, and complying with QoS regulations.