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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has imposed a hefty Rs68.9 million fine on Zong for failing to meet service quality standards in Peshawar, while issuing warnings to Jazz, Telenor, and Ufone. The regulatory action follows widespread complaints about call drops and slow internet speeds, particularly in the NA-32 constituency.
A recent performance review revealed Zong’s network availability plunged to 92.52% – significantly below the 99% regulatory threshold. While Telenor maintained the strongest service levels (99.43% availability, 10.86 Mbps speeds), Zong also lagged in data throughput at just 4.85 Mbps. Ufone faced criticism for failing its 1x voice KPI, though the company claims to have rectified the issue.
The PTA has taken stringent measures against telecom operators, with Zong bearing the brunt of enforcement actions. The authority imposed a Rs68.9 million penalty on Zong, of which Rs13.6 million has already been recovered, while the remaining amount is under litigation through five ongoing cases. Across the sector, regulators issued 39 show-cause notices and 17 warning letters to all major operators, including Jazz, Telenor and Ufone, for various service deficiencies. These actions underscore the PTA’s commitment to holding telecom providers accountable for service quality.
Comparative Network Performance
| Operator | Availability | Call Completion | Data Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telenor | 99.43% | 99.08% | 10.86 Mbps |
| Jazz | 96.32% | 98.99% | 6.26 Mbps |
| Ufone | 97.29% | 98.97% | 6.98 Mbps |
| Zong | 92.52% | 98.56% | 4.85 Mbps |
The PTA has overseen deployment of 600+ new telecom sites in Peshawar as part of nationwide infrastructure upgrades, including 4G expansion and 3G phase-outs. However, power outages, security concerns, and equipment theft continue hampering service reliability.
While Zong faces the financial brunt of regulatory action, all major operators remain under scrutiny as the PTA works to improve telecom services for Peshawar’s residents. The authority has pledged continued monitoring to ensure compliance with quality standards.
