The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a cautionary notice about potential disruptions to mobile and internet services, as well as ATMs, across the country. This warning comes as a result of unresolved issues surrounding the renewal of licenses for Long-Distance International (LDI) operators.
According to a PTA report, the failure to renew these licenses could impact 50% of mobile traffic and 10% of internet traffic in Pakistan. The report highlights that several mobile towers may go offline, and up to 40% of ATMs could become inoperative. Additionally, the flow of global traffic into Pakistan might be affected, potentially disrupting international communications as services shift to other operators.
The root of the problem is a disagreement between telecom companies and the Ministry of IT over outstanding payments. The ministry’s steering committee has been unable to devise a plan to address these dues, and the PTA has made the renewal of licenses contingent upon resolving the payment issues.
Some LDI licenses have already expired, while others are set to expire in the coming months. Telecom companies have taken the matter to court in an effort to keep their services running.
The PTA document also reveals that nine telecom companies collectively owe Rs. 24 billion to the Ministry of IT, along with an additional Rs. 54 billion in late payment penalties. This financial strain is contributing to the uncertainty and potential disruptions in services that could affect millions of users across the country.
