The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a special field inspection campaign to evaluate and improve the quality of mobile phone services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi following complaints from consumers.
According to the initial findings, mobile voice and data services were generally satisfactory in most of the areas inspected.
PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman personally led the inspection alongside members of the authority, directors general and senior officials. The team visited several locations across the twin cities to assess 4G coverage, voice-call quality and mobile internet performance.
Representatives of mobile network operators, the media and some complainants also accompanied the PTA team during the exercise.
The inspection covered key performance indicators, including voice quality, call connection success rates, call continuity and mobile data speeds. Officials also reviewed the overall performance of mobile networks and the internet services available to subscribers.
Three dedicated teams were deployed to inspect different areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The first team examined mobile services at Islamabad International Airport, Srinagar Highway and adjoining areas. The second assessed network performance along Islamabad Expressway, extending from the city to Rawat T-Chowk. Meanwhile, the third team inspected Murree Road, Rawal Road and areas surrounding the Old Airport in Rawalpindi.
Officials from the Ministry of Information Technology, PTA and mobile operators, including Jazz, Zong and Ufone, participated in the campaign.
During the inspection, the PTA chairman issued on-the-spot instructions to mobile operators to address identified shortcomings and improve service delivery.
Representatives of telecom companies informed the PTA and media that temporary disruptions in voice and data services had been observed at certain locations and mobile towers.
They attributed the issue to ongoing network upgrades, as operators were transitioning from 3G to 4G technology and upgrading some locations from 4G to 5G through the installation of new equipment. They also cited technical adjustments linked to the integration of newly acquired spectrum.
According to the operators, these network upgrades and technical changes could temporarily affect service quality during the transition period.
