Internet, Mobile Traffic, ATMs At Risk of Shutting Down Across Pakistan

Around 50 percent of mobile traffic, 10 percent of Internet traffic, and around 40 percent of ATM banking machines are at risk of out of service, due to non-renewal of Long Distance International (LDI) licenses on account of outstanding dues of around Rs. 79 billion, official documents revealed.

There were 13 LDI Licensees up for renewal. Four licenses are processed for renewal, and the remaining 9 licensees have outstanding dues regarding APC for USF.

The non-renewal of telecommunication licenses can significantly impact the telecom ecosystem, affecting service quality, business operations, and the broader economy.

OFC infrastructure

The Long Haul and Metro Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) Network is a total of 27,567 km of Long Haul OFC and 18337 Km of Metro OFC:

1. Multinet Pakistan: 6,993 Km Long Haul leased to Telenor, Jazz and CMPak for Long haul and Fiber to the Site (FTTS) connectivity.
2. Worldcall: 1,800 km Long Haul, 734 km Metro.

Impact

1. Non-renewal of the LDI license will severely affect the mobile service. Around 50% of mobile traffic will be affected and many towers will be out of service.
2. Around 10% of Internet traffic will be affected.
3. Banking services will be affected. Around 40% of ATM banking machines will be out of service.
4. Many corporate intranets will be out of service.

Satellite Services

Licensees like Telecard, Multinet, Retone, and Dancom operate satellite hubs with substantial throughput capacities, supporting critical communication needs.

1. Redtone LDI: 496 Mbps (1792 x links, mostly banks, CMO sites, LEAs and Government Departments)
2. Telecard: 2970 Mbps (873 x links, mostly banks, CMO sites, and government departments)
3. Multinet Pakistan: 41Mbps (116 x Links, mainly banks and CMOs sites
4. Dancom: 640 Mbps. (Mostly Banks)

Impact

Non-renewal of the LDI license will impact banking services, sites of the mobile operator, and connectivity provided to LEAs and Government Departments in remote areas.

1. Non-renewal of LDI licenses will result in a disruption of international incoming traffic.
2. Consequently, this traffic will need to be rerouted to other LDI operators.
3. It could lead to potential service degradation, increased operational strain on the remaining operators, and possible interruptions in the continuity of international communication services.

Cross-Border Links-1

Pakistan has several cross-border microwaves and OFC links with neighboring countries like Afghanistan, facilitated by Multinet Pakistan which enhance international connectivity.

Non-renewal will lead to the discontinuity of the international data transit, potentially causing connectivity issues for operators in Afghanistan that rely on these routes.

Non-renewal of LD! licenses will result in a disruption of international incoming traffic. Consequently, this traffic will need to be rerouted to other LDI operators. It could lead to potential service degradation, increased operational strain on the remaining operators, and possible interruptions in the continuity of international communication services.

Cross-Border Links-2

Pakistan has several cross-border microwaves and OFC links with neighboring countries like Afghanistan, facilitated by Multinet Pakistan which enhance international connectivity.

Impact

Non-renewal will lead to the discontinuity of the International data transit, potentially causing connectivity issues for operators in Afghanistan.