Senate Committee Probes Recent Internet Disruptions Impacting Citizens
— August 15, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AIA) The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications on Thursday discussed the recent internet disruptions across the country, which have been causing significant issues for e-commerce businesses.
The meeting, chaired by Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, convened to address the complaints of disrupted internet services. Aisha Humera Chaudhry, the secretary for the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications, clarified that there is no issue with broadband connections; however, mobile operators using mobile data are facing disruptions. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is currently assessing the issue, and the ministry will be in a better position to provide a comprehensive overview once the assessment is completed within two weeks.
The committee also addressed the complaint from MNA Ali Jaan Mazari regarding poor internet service in Kashmore. Mazari reported that internet services have been extremely slow for the past four months, and despite several requests, no action has been taken so far.
PTA officials explained that there are around 156 sites of three major service providers in the area and that internet services are mostly down due to unannounced load shedding. The PTA is assessing the issue and will submit its report in the next 15 days. Additionally, the committee directed the PTA to submit its quarterly survey report at the next meeting.