In an informal conversation with journalists, Major General (Retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman, Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), he addressed several pressing issues related to the internet and telecommunications in Pakistan.
Internet Speed and Upgrades
When responding to queries regarding the internet slow down in the country the PTA chairman assured that the current issues with internet speed would be resolved by the end of October. The PTA is upgrading its Web Management System (commonly known as the internet firewall), expanding data capacity from 5 terabytes to 8 terabytes, with completion expected by the end of the month, confirming the open secret that internet issues throughout the country are because of the new system.
Internet Shutdowns and Security
The chairman highlighted that in 2023, India experienced 116 internet shutdowns compared to seven in Pakistan. While he does not defend internet shutdowns, he emphasized that national security remains a priority. He noted that mobile services were less frequently suspended during the recent 10th of Muharram, and any shutdowns were limited to specific times and areas.
He also mentioned that Bangladesh had similar shutdowns during elections, underscoring that each country has unique security circumstances that influence such decisions.
Spectrum and Infrastructure
Pakistan’s total population is 242 million, with a spectrum capacity of 274 MHz, which is currently congested. The chairman pointed out that India invested $13 billion in fiberization over the past five years, laying 3.5 million kilometers of fiber optic cable. He expressed optimism that introducing 5G and implementing national infrastructure would improve the situation.
Social Media and Compliance
The decision to block the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) was made by the federal government, and PTA will comply with reopening it when instructed. The chairman noted that complaints against X are high, with only 27% compliance, compared to 93% compliance from other social media platforms. The issue is currently under review in the Sindh High Court, where PTA will present a report on X’s non-compliance. All social media platforms have been urged to use AI to block illegal content.
Telecommunications and Future Plans
The chairman acknowledged the poor quality of GSM services and admitted that spectrum shortages are partly due to PTA’s shortcomings. He assured that the upcoming 5G auction, scheduled for April 25, will improve call drop issues and enhance the quality of 4G services.
Miscellaneous Issues
The chairman mentioned that the PTA opposed the FBR’s directive to block SIM cards, which the telecom companies managed independently. He also noted that a request to suspend mobile services during the MD-CAT exams was rejected.
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another major general and his chutiya kogic.
The democracies and the democratic practices (and a serious lack thereof) in India, Bangladesh and unfortunately even Pakistan are commonly known and criticized internationally. So giving examples from India and Bangladesh to justify what is going on in Pakistan, in a “we are still better than them” argument, is hardly justification.
PTA Chairman Sb, your poor planning and execution has affected many livelihood. Not to mention the downgrade of SaaS for Pakistanis.
Of course because of your medals you won’t be held accountable, perhaps another medal will be given to you.
Chairman is zero technical which causes everyone a big loss!
Both of PTA and PSEB chairman’s should be terminated for incompetence and lying about the situation in the past and hiding the truth.
Didn’t hear this information from main broadcast news channel but it’s true Pakistani retired major general are great threat to new generation of Pakistani youngsters and their future. Pakistan need to learn from usa and other develop countries. Also pta need to reduce the prices of iphone tax on iphone from pta approved non approved. Also people need to do work in day light specially business of goods in early morning instead of at 12:00pm to start their business. Rich is getting more rich and poor is getting more poor this need to balance to balance up lift the economy of the country.
They want to protect one Twitter account by risking 1 millions jobs non sense
This whole firewall is to protect one Twitter account which is bombarded some ruthless youth and PTA never care about people jobs or business they simply don’t care at all.
An other duffer telling his duffer stories, they will give extension to both chiefs , all will be managed and internet will back to normal
think all this in way of globel politics and countrys sovernity.
The line internet works but the mobile service is not good nor does it run in net speed. We do not allow PTA to access our private data and I request that the net speed be increased.
But you what’sapp, YouTube and google to access not only private but personal and families related data which shared to American intelligence also hypocrisy is at its peak
ادھر بھی جنرل🧐
چئرمین پی ٹی اے کے اعتراف کی کیا حیثیت رہ جاتی ہے جب کہ سب کو پتہ ہے کہ عوام کا منہ بند کرنے کے لیئے ملک کا بیڑہ غرق کر دیا گیا ہے….
اور ملک کو انٹرنیٹ آوٹیج کے اندھیرے میں دھکیل دیا گیا ہے.
قیادت میں احساس ذمہ دار
فقدان نہ ہوتا تو ان کو استعفی دے کر گھر چلے جانا چاہیئے
I want to participant in your propakistani from kpk hangu. Can you give me this opportunity?
PTA chairman lie mostly people and government like X (tweeter)