NA IT Committee raises alarm over weak signals, slow internet

A meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecom was held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Syed Aminul Haque, during which concerns were raised over the quality of mobile and internet services across the country.

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecom Shiza Fatima informed the committee that, following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a national connectivity plan extending to 2030 had been finalised. The plan aims to improve digital infrastructure and address long-standing issues related to telecommunications services.

Several committee members voiced strong reservations over weak mobile signals and slow internet speeds being experienced nationwide. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority data presented during the meeting came under criticism, with committee member Sadiq Ali Memon expressing dissatisfaction with the regulator’s assessment.

Memon termed the PTA’s Quality of Service survey report “ridiculous,” stating that ground realities did not match the claims made in official documents. He remarked that whenever issues related to mobile signals were discussed, the federal minister appeared uncomfortable, while reports continued to suggest that services were satisfactory despite persistent public complaints.

Another committee member, Pauline, questioned the effectiveness of the regulator and asked where citizens should turn if the PTA failed to ensure reliable mobile connectivity.

Responding to the criticism, the PTA chairman told the committee that the authority had ranked first among government departments in complaint resolution over the past year. He said the PTA operated 12 zonal offices across the country and acknowledged that mistakes had occurred in certain cases.

The federal minister also addressed concerns regarding funds taken from the Universal Service Fund, stating that the funds were withdrawn in 2013 and the process of returning them began in 2022 following decisions taken by the Special Investment Facilitation Council. She added that all funds taken from the USF would be returned by 2026.

Reporter: Waqas Azeem