Theft hits 9,000 telecom sites, says PTA chief

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman has disclosed that around 9,000 telecom sites across the country have been targeted in theft

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman has disclosed that around 9,000 telecom sites across the country have been targeted in theft incidents, creating serious challenges for the telecommunications sector and affecting the quality of mobile and internet services.

Speaking during a briefing, the PTA chairman said repeated thefts at telecom infrastructure have disrupted network operations in different areas. He explained that stolen equipment and damaged installations make it difficult for service providers to maintain uninterrupted connectivity, resulting in service interruptions for consumers.

The chairman said the government has directed the PTA to protect consumer rights whenever telecom services are disrupted. He explained that if a customer purchases a mobile or internet package but is unable to use it because services remain unavailable, the operator is required to refund the unused amount. He said the authority ensures that telecom companies comply with these instructions.

The PTA chief also highlighted the regulator’s efforts to improve service standards across the country. He said the authority has imposed penalties totaling Rs4 billion on telecom operators over poor service quality and failure to meet regulatory standards. According to him, these enforcement measures are intended to encourage operators to improve network performance and provide better services to customers.

Addressing another public concern, the chairman clarified that the PTA has no authority over taxes imposed on mobile phone services or telecom usage. He said decisions regarding such taxes fall entirely under the jurisdiction of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), while the PTA’s responsibility is limited to regulating the telecommunications sector and ensuring quality of service.