The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has clarified that reports of closure of ATMs across Pakistan due to some issue in LDI networks are nothing more than fake news.
“In response to the fake news circulating in the media about potential closure of ATMs, it is clarified that currently there is no such issue of nonavailability/closure of LDI networks that may potentially impact IT or financial sector including ATM networks,” it said in a statement on Saturday.
Operations of the expired LDI licensees are not suspended or shutdown, it added.
This comes after it was reported on Friday that PTA foresaw a looming crisis in Pakistan’s telecom sector due to the potential non-renewal of Long Distance International (LDI) licenses, according to a document presented before the Parliament.
According to the document, PTA estimates that 50% of mobile traffic could be disrupted, leading to numerous mobile towers going offline. Furthermore, around 10% of internet traffic and 40% of ATM banking services could be affected, alongside disruptions in corporate internet services.
The PTA’s decision to withhold license renewals stems from outstanding dues, with LDI companies reportedly owing Rs. 24 billion in Universal Service Fund charges, while telecom companies face Rs. 54 billion in late payment surcharges.
Some LDI licenses have already expired, with more set to expire in the coming months.
However, PTA has ruled out any possibility of a ban on LDI operations in its latest statement.