PTA Revises Telecom Downtime Benchmark to Union Council Level in New Spectrum Auction

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has revised the benchmark for monitoring telecom site downtime in the latest spectrum auction, shifting the assessment from a country-level basis to the Union Council level, a senior official told the National Assembly’s IT Committee.

Muhammad Naveed, Member of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, informed the committee that in previous spectrum auctions, telecom site downtime was evaluated at the national level. However, under the revised framework introduced in the recent spectrum auction, downtime will now be assessed at the Union Council level.

The change is expected to make network performance monitoring more precise and locally accountable. Instead of relying on broader national averages, the new mechanism will allow authorities to identify service disruptions in smaller administrative areas.

According to the briefing, the revised benchmark aims to improve telecom service quality by ensuring that operators maintain better network availability across local communities. The move could also help regulators detect weak coverage zones and service interruptions more effectively.

Telecom site downtime refers to the period during which a mobile network site or tower is not functioning properly, affecting voice, data, or overall mobile connectivity for users in the surrounding area.

The revised framework is likely to increase pressure on telecom operators to maintain consistent network performance across smaller service areas. It may also provide the regulator with better data to evaluate quality of service obligations under the new spectrum regime.

The development comes as Pakistan prepares for improved mobile broadband services through the latest spectrum auction, with regulators seeking stronger service standards and more effective oversight of telecom networks.

Also read:

PTA Urges Transfer of SIMs of Deceased Persons to Legal Heirs for Secure Usage