PTA sets deadline to fix Islamabad, Rawalpindi mobile coverage

PTA orders mobile coverage improvements

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has directed mobile operators to improve network coverage in Islamabad and Rawalpindi by October. Companies have been told to remove coverage gaps and provide better mobile services across both cities.

The directive covers different sectors and surrounding areas of Islamabad, along with several parts of Rawalpindi. Operators have also been asked to improve signals on important routes, including Kashmir Highway and Islamabad Expressway.

More mobile sites planned for weak areas

The PTA has instructed telecom companies to install additional mobile sites wherever signals are weak or unavailable. Operators have also been asked to add new sites as they expand services through newly allocated 5G spectrum bands.

The authority said stronger connectivity is needed in residential areas, nearby localities and important roads. The October deadline has been set for operators to resolve the coverage problems identified by the regulator.

PTA teams to check network performance

PTA teams will visit different locations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi next week to examine mobile network performance. The visits will also help identify areas where signals remain weak or coverage needs further improvement.

The regulator will use the findings to monitor whether mobile operators are meeting the required service standards. The checks are expected to provide a clearer picture of network performance across the twin cities.

Operators may face penalties

The PTA said monitoring of mobile services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi will continue after the inspections. Operators that fail to meet the required service standards may face penalties.

The move comes as demand for reliable mobile connectivity continues to grow across residential areas and major roads. The use of new 5G spectrum bands could also lead to further network expansion in areas where additional sites are required.

The PTA deadline puts pressure on mobile operators to address weak signals quickly. The coming inspections will show whether coverage improves before the October deadline.

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