PTA fines mobile operators Rs3.41 billion over service violations

Pakistan's telecom regulator has imposed fines totalling Rs3.41 billion on mobile network operators over the past four years for violations involving service quality, network coverage and other service-related issues, officials said.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s telecom regulator has imposed fines totalling Rs3.41 billion on mobile network operators over the past four years for violations involving service quality, network coverage and other service-related issues, officials said.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) also issued 86 show-cause notices and 20 warning letters to operators during the period, according to officials.

The regulatory action comes as telecom operators face complaints over service quality while mobile internet and data services have also been suspended for extended periods in parts of the country.

Industry representatives told The News that operators were being held accountable for service quality even when some service disruptions were beyond their control.

They said mobile internet suspensions in various areas were implemented on the directions of government and security authorities, rather than by mobile operators themselves.

The representatives said prolonged shutdowns reduced data consumption and affected operators’ revenues, while companies continued to incur costs for spectrum, network expansion, infrastructure, electricity and other operations.

They called for a review of the regulatory framework governing penalties, arguing that enforcement should take into account circumstances beyond operators’ control as well as the economic impact of internet shutdowns on the telecom sector.

“Regulatory oversight and enforcement are necessary, but the focus should not remain confined to imposing financial penalties. The underlying issues affecting mobile and internet service quality also need to be addressed,” the industry representatives said.

The PTA conducts Quality of Service (QoS) surveys to monitor mobile network performance and coverage. It can take enforcement action, including issuing warnings, show-cause notices and financial penalties, when operators fail to meet prescribed standards, according to official records.