NA panel rejects PTA claims on internet, mobile service quality

Lawmakers have expressed no confidence in Pakistan’s internet and telecom services and rejected PTA’s claim of 99% user satisfaction.

National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom sharply criticised telecom regulator on Tuesday.

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The parliamentary panel noted that internet and mobile services were worsening despite official claims of stability. The parliamentary panel said it had no confidence in service quality across the country.

The remarks came during a heated debate in a meeting chaired by Amin-ul-Haque. During the meeting, members challenged data presented by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. The regulator submitted its Quality of Service report, claiming a 99% satisfaction rate for mobile signals nationwide.

Committee members unanimously rejected the figure said frequent internet slowdowns and weak mobile signals contradict the regulator’s assessment. They described the claim as incomprehensible given prevailing conditions.

Sadiq Memon, a committee member, strongly criticised the report and questioned the seriousness of the regulator’s approach. He described the data as ridiculous and said the gap was worsening between official reporting and public experience.

Memon also complained about resistance to scrutiny at higher levels. There was a broader frustration among lawmakers over the lack of accountability.

Sharmila Faruqui questioned the methodology being used by PTA to to compile surveys. She said the reported satisfaction rate defied logic.

Faruqui called for carrying out future Quality of Service surveys by independent third parties rather than the regulator itself. She argued external audits were essential to bring credibility and ensure transparency in reporting.

Other members also voiced concerns. Pullain Baloch also said poor service had become a daily issue rather than an isolated complaint.

The meeting concluded with a clear rebuke of the PTA’s assessment. Committee members said official reports painted an unrealistic picture despite persistent signal drops and slow speeds continued to affect users nationwide.

The committee signalled to pursue stronger oversight measures which included third-party audits to improve service quality.