PTA Installs More Towers to Improve Connectivity in Chitral
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Chairman Hafeez-ur-Rehman informed the Senate Standing Committee that additional mobile towers have been installed in Chitral, bringing the total to 142 in an effort to improve connectivity in the remote region. He highlighted that despite these efforts, Chitral continues to face network congestion due to load shedding and limited infrastructure, which affect service quality.
Network Issues Persist Despite Expansion, Senate Panel Raises Concerns
A major issue identified was the reliance on a single optical fiber line serving the region, making connectivity highly vulnerable to disruptions, especially during development work by the National Highway Authority. The PTA has requested better coordination to avoid such outages. The chairman also noted that a recent spectrum auction offering 480 MHz is expected to ease congestion, though challenges remain as some areas still depend on microwave links, which are insufficient for future 5G services.
Committee members raised concerns over poor service delivery despite telecom companies generating significant revenue. Lawmakers also highlighted internet issues in Upper Chitral, where students and professionals are forced to travel long distances for connectivity. Officials assured that immediate steps are being taken, while discussions also covered regional development projects, including hydropower initiatives and infrastructure schemes, with the committee urging faster implementation and better accountability from relevant authorities.
