PTA Issues Clarification on Phone Call Loadshedding

Earlier, it was being reported that telecom companies will start ‘phone call loadshedding’ in Pakistan. However, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a notification in this regard and clarified that news regarding loadshedding of mobile phone services that was going viral on social media is “incorrect and out-of-context.”

The Senate Standing Committee on Finance had invited cellular mobile industry in their meeting on June 17 to get input on budget proposals related to telecom industry. The representatives of three mobile operators provided suggestions on rationalization of GST on telecom services as well as reduction of taxation which industry is already raising at various forums.

Increase of any additional duties such as on import of fiber was also discussed which will potentially slow down the enhancement of fiber infrastructure, critical for internet connectivity across the country. The difficulties faced by operators, including the current spell of electricity load shedding as the potential impediment to provision of round the clock mobile services was also highlighted.

However, in a section of media it was portrayed as if loadshedding of mobile phone services would also be started. “This is incorrect and out-of-context.” said the notification, adding that mobile operators are governed under license conditions, rules and regulations issued by PTA and required to provide uninterrupted telecom services to the subscribers and in case they don’t, the regulator has relevant provisions to appropriate action.

This has confirmed that previous reports of loadshedding of phone calls were overexaggerated and not true.

Earlier Report: Telecom Companies Warn of Phone Calls Loadshedding in Pakistan.

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