Internet Disruption in Pakistan to Be Resolved by End of October, Says PTA Chairman

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rahman announced that the prevailing issue of internet disruption in Pakistan will be resolved by the end of October 2024. The PTA has ruled out any intentional slowdown of internet services, reassuring citizens that connectivity will improve soon.

High Compliance on Social Media, Except X

During a press briefing, PTA Chairman Rahman highlighted the compliance rates of various social media platforms, with 93% of platforms adhering to the authority’s guidelines. However, the platform formerly known as X (Twitter) has shown only 27% compliance. Rahman confirmed that the decision to close or open X lies with the federal government.

For more updates on internet issues in Pakistan, visit our technology section.

Internet Shutdowns and Security Measures

Addressing the concerns about internet shutdowns, Rahman compared Pakistan to other nations. He pointed out that while India experienced 116 internet shutdowns in 2023, Pakistan had only seven instances. He clarified that any shutdown decisions are based on national security intelligence reports, like the restricted mobile service on Muharram 10.

For security updates, check out Ground Zero.

5G Spectrum Auction and Future Plans

The PTA chairman also discussed future plans for improving connectivity in Pakistan, including the 5G auction planned for April 2025. He mentioned that Pakistan currently has 274 MHz spectrum, which is less compared to India’s 470 MHz, contributing to call drop issues. He also reassured the public that 5G will enhance service quality.

For a deep dive into the telecom sector, visit Reuters.