Revoking LDI Licenses Could Disrupt ATM and Internet Services: PTA Chairman

The Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom on Monday was informed by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman on the arrears owed by Long-Distance International (LDI) companies.

Ten of the fifteen companies have paid a total of Rs. 10 billion, but Rs. 24 billion remains unpaid. Due to late fees, the total arrears have climbed to Rs. 74 billion. The PTA Chairman warned that revoking the licenses of these companies could cause significant disruptions, impacting 50 percent of mobile services and 40 percent of ATM services.

The committee also discussed Pakistan’s reliance on foreign fiber-optic infrastructure. PTA officials highlighted the National Fiberization Policy, aimed at reducing this dependency to avoid external pressures.

The meeting further covered the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2024 and ongoing consultations with stakeholders. A participant questioned the Ministry’s ability to regulate artificial intelligence when it has struggled to manage social media, where fake news is prevalent. The member suggested following China’s example of creating alternative platforms as a regulatory measure.

One senator raised concerns over the appointment of the new Secretary for IT and Telecom, questioning why a PhD-qualified applicant was overlooked. The Establishment Division explained that experience was prioritized over qualifications, which prompted discussions on sectoral improvements, particularly in telecom and IT exports.

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  • Online online ….. banks, saving centres ka online system bashamol biometric verification system zada tar haftay mai baith he jata hai, es leay failed system hai …… sonay pe sohaga ATM alag mosebat. Mostly out of service and cash.
    Par charges waqt par automatically deduct kar leay jatay hain worst service dainay par.

    Internet kya disrupt ho ga, awan mentally disturb ho chuki hai ghatiya taren internet services ki waja sai.

  • Internet is every person’s basic necessity, and everyone pays internet charges and taxes. Then why trouble the public? Whatever issue arises, PTA and telecom operators should resolve internally, not humiliate the public.

    We face disruptions:

    – Internet shutdowns during protests
    – Shutdowns due to VIP movements
    – Mobile service suspensions
    – Social media blocks

    Stop troubling the public. Resolve issues internally.

  • محترم کیا آپ بتا سکتے ہیں کہ پی ٹی سی ایل نے ریاست پاکستان کے تمام سابقہ پیمنٹ کردی ہے؟؟ کیونکہ پی ٹی سی ایل نئے معاہدے کررہے ہیں جبکہ پاکستان کے واجبات کی ادائیگی کی کوئی خبر نہی سنی گئی مبینہ طور پر اور نہ انکی سروسز عدم ادائیگی کی وجہ سے بند کی گئی ہیں؟؟ یہ صرف جاننے کی کوشش ہے اور کچھ نہی اگر ہم عوام جاننے کا حق رکھتے ہیں اگر نہی تو پیشگی معافی چاہتا ہوں، شکریہ 🙏


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