The government has officially acknowledged that Cellular Service issues continue to affect several parts of Pakistan despite telecom operators meeting performance standards set by the regulator.
In a written reply to the National Assembly, the Minister In-Charge of the Cabinet Division said that while Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) follow uniform quality benchmarks nationwide, many areas still suffer from weak coverage and unstable networks.
According to the statement, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regularly conducts field surveys to assess Quality of Service (QoS). In 2021, the PTA updated its standards, setting new data throughput targets—1 Mbps for 3G and 4 Mbps for 4G.
The ministry, however, admitted that persistent Cellular Service problems are caused by several external challenges. These include long power outages, shortage of spectrum, limited fiber infrastructure, and security concerns in remote locations. In major cities, network congestion and delays in obtaining right-of-way approvals have also slowed infrastructure expansion.
To improve the situation, the government said unserved and underserved areas are being mapped for inclusion in Universal Service Fund (USF) projects aimed at expanding coverage. Over the past three years, the PTA has carried out 438 surveys, issued 39 show-cause notices, and imposed Rs68.9 million in fines on telecom operators for poor service quality.
Despite these actions, connectivity gaps remain, particularly in rural and high-traffic areas where Cellular Service often fails to meet user expectations.
To address these ongoing issues, the government is preparing to release new spectrum and introduce 5G technology in Pakistan. An Advisory Committee, chaired by the Finance Minister, has been formed to oversee the upcoming spectrum auction scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026.
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The planned auction will make 606 MHz of additional spectrum available, doubling the country’s current capacity. Officials believe this move will enhance data speeds, reduce call drops, and ensure a more reliable Cellular Service experience for users across Pakistan.
This step marks a major advancement toward next-generation connectivity and stronger digital infrastructure nationwide.
