The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has directed mobile network operators to address coverage problems and improve service quality across Islamabad and Rawalpindi by October.
The telecom regulator has instructed operators to eliminate existing coverage gaps and ensure more reliable mobile network services for residents, commuters and businesses in the two cities.
Under the directions, mobile operators are required to improve coverage across all sectors and surrounding areas of Islamabad, while ensuring that all parts of Rawalpindi receive adequate network coverage.
The instructions are aimed at addressing areas where customers currently experience weak signals, dropped calls or limited mobile connectivity.
PTA has also specifically directed telecom companies to improve coverage along major roads connecting and serving the two cities.
These include Kashmir Highway and Islamabad Expressway, along with other important routes where consistent mobile connectivity is required.
The focus on major roads is significant because thousands of commuters use these routes every day. Reliable mobile services are increasingly important for communication, navigation, digital payments and other everyday activities.
The regulator’s October deadline gives mobile network operators a defined timeframe to identify and address coverage deficiencies across the designated areas.
Operators will need to take measures to strengthen their networks and improve service availability in locations identified as having coverage problems.
The directions cover both residential and surrounding areas, meaning the required improvements are not limited to central commercial locations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
For mobile users, better coverage could result in more consistent connectivity when making calls, sending messages or using mobile internet services.
Rawalpindi and Islamabad form a closely connected metropolitan area, with significant daily movement between the two cities. Coverage improvements along major roads can therefore be important for people travelling between different parts of the region.
The PTA’s instructions also underline the regulator’s role in monitoring the quality and availability of telecommunications services across Pakistan.
Mobile network coverage has become increasingly important as consumers rely on smartphones for work, education, banking, online services and communication.
Coverage gaps can affect these activities, particularly in areas where users have limited access to alternative connectivity options.
By requiring operators to address identified gaps, the PTA is seeking improvements in the reliability and reach of mobile networks across the federal capital and Rawalpindi.
The October deadline means telecom operators have a limited period to complete the required improvements and bring network coverage in line with the regulator’s directions.
The measures will be particularly relevant for residents in sectors and surrounding areas of Islamabad, people living across Rawalpindi, and commuters travelling along Kashmir Highway, Islamabad Expressway and other major routes.
Further improvements in network infrastructure could help provide users with more consistent mobile connectivity across the two cities.
