PTBP Web Desk
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has recovered Rs. 13.6 million from telecom operators out of the total Rs. 68.9 million in penalties imposed during the last five years for service quality violations and regulatory non-compliance.
The details were shared in a written reply submitted to parliament by Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja. According to the document, the recovered amount represents nearly 19.7 percent of the total fines imposed on cellular mobile operators across Pakistan.
The minister informed the National Assembly that the PTA issued 39 show-cause notices and 18 warning letters to telecom companies over poor quality of service, weak network performance, and failure to meet regulatory standards.
The parliamentary reply further revealed that 11 cases are currently sub-judice, while regulatory actions included fines, warning notices, and directives aimed at improving telecom service quality across the country.
According to official data, the PTA conducted 379 quality of service surveys over the last three years. These included both planned inspections and complaint-based surveys carried out in cities, along highways, and across railway tracks. Out of the total surveys, 136 were initiated following consumer complaints regarding poor mobile and internet services.
The government stated that several measures are being implemented to improve telecom infrastructure and customer experience nationwide. These include stricter enforcement of telecom license conditions, infrastructure sharing among operators, national roaming facilities, and expansion of mobile coverage into underserved regions.
In addition, the PTA has directed telecom operators to establish at least 1,000 new network sites annually to strengthen coverage and improve service reliability.
The minister also highlighted major progress in telecom spectrum expansion. Pakistan’s available telecom spectrum has been increased by 480 MHz, more than doubling previous capacity levels. Authorities believe the additional spectrum will significantly improve mobile broadband performance across the country.
According to government estimates, average 4G internet speeds could rise from approximately 14 Mbps to nearly 120 Mbps, while future 5G services may deliver speeds of up to 150 Mbps.
The PTA reiterated its commitment to ensuring better telecom services, improved internet connectivity, and stronger regulatory compliance in Pakistan’s rapidly growing digital sector.
