PTA Suggests Solution to Network Problems in Karachi

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in a written reply to the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, stated that the installation of express feeders could help resolve network issues in Karachi caused by prolonged power outages. The committee had earlier recommended a comprehensive survey to evaluate the city’s network problems, emphasizing the need for urgent measures to improve telecom services in the region. PTA’s survey findings revealed that while voice and data service KPIs met regulatory thresholds, network availability was severely impacted by load-shedding. According to PTA, a detailed survey of Karachi indicated that network downtime in key districts, including Central, East, South, West, and Malir, was primarily due to extended power failures. A follow-up system parameters analysis found that despite telecom infrastructure being equipped with backup power systems, their average battery backup of 2 to 4 hours was insufficient to sustain services during extended outages. PTA proposed that the government arrange express feeders for uninterrupted commercial power to telecom towers, ensuring better network uptime and service quality. PTA further informed the committee that a survey of the Karachi-Hyderabad Expressway is currently underway in Q1 2025 to evaluate telecom performance in the region. The regulator also analyzed System Parameters (OSS KPIs) for Q4 2024, revealing that while network downtime remained below acceptable limits for Zong and Ufone, Jazz experienced downtime in the Malir region. However, call completion rates and 4G data speeds remained above the required thresholds despite power-related disruptions. Additionally, independent Quality of Service (QoS) surveys conducted in Malir (12th-14th February) and Keemari (14th-17th May) in 2024 confirmed that overall voice and data services were satisfactory across all mobile operators. Telenor recorded the highest network availability at 99.40%, while Ufone had the lowest at 97.70%. In terms of 4G throughput, Telenor outperformed competitors with an average speed of 11.59 Mbps, followed by Jazz at 6.92 Mbps, Zong at 6.21 Mbps, and Ufone at 5.92 Mbps. The PTA assured the Standing Committee on IT and Telecom that ongoing improvements in Karachi’s telecom infrastructure would continue over the coming years. The regulator highlighted that resolving power supply issues remains crucial for long-term network stability.