Regulator conducts hundreds of nationwide surveys as government highlights tougher standards for mobile networks and future 5G services
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has imposed financial penalties totalling Rs3.41 billion on telecom operators for failing to meet prescribed Quality of Service (QoS) standards during the past four years.
Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja disclosed the figures in a written reply submitted to the National Assembly.
According to the minister, PTA conducted more than 500 QoS surveys across cities, rural areas, highways, motorways and railway corridors during the period. Additionally, the regulator carried out more than 200 surveys in response to consumer complaints.
PTA also issued 20 warning letters and 86 Show Cause Notices to operators over violations of service requirements.
Existing Laws Provide Enforcement Powers
Khawaja said telecom companies charge consumers according to advertised tariffs and must maintain service standards specified under their respective licences.
Furthermore, some operators provide cheaper regional or location-based packages than nationwide offers because of commercial considerations and local market conditions.
The minister said the government does not currently plan a separate policy for imposing additional financial penalties.
Instead, the existing regulatory framework already empowers PTA to issue warnings, serve Show Cause Notices and impose fines on operators that fail to fulfil their obligations.
New Spectrum Conditions Tighten Quality Standards
Meanwhile, Khawaja said authorities have strengthened service requirements through the recent spectrum auction and revised Next Generation Mobile Services licence conditions.
The updated framework requires operators to meet enhanced rollout obligations, establish additional 4G and 5G sites, achieve higher QoS benchmarks and progressively modernise their networks.
Consequently, the government expects these measures to improve mobile connectivity while increasing accountability across Pakistan’s telecommunications sector.
Authorities particularly aim to improve services in underserved and poorly connected areas, combining stricter licence requirements with continuing PTA monitoring and enforcement to address persistent network quality concerns.
