PTA blames power outages for slow internet in Karachi

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) blamed power outages for internet slowdown in Karachi, and suggested installing express feeders for stable connectivity. 

According to reports, the PTA proposed authorities to install express feeder to address Karachi’s telecommunication network disruption caused by frequent power outages. 

In a written response to the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunication, the PTA noted that the inconsistent power supply is a key factor affecting the network availability in the city. 

The document stated that during survey the authority found clear voice and data service; however, the main reason for network outages in key areas is prolonged power load shedding. 

According to the documents, the areas of network outage included the districts of Central, East, South, West and Malir.

Read: WhatsApp moves server abroad amid internet slowdown in Pakistan

The telecom infrastructure in the affected areas was equipped with backup power systems with an average battery backup of only two to four hours.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima, had stated that the internet in the country is fully functional and all mobile apps, including WhatsApp, are operating without any issues.

During the question hour in the National Assembly, PPP member Shazia Mari asked when the internet problem in Pakistan would be resolved.

In response, Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima said that the internet is fully functional in the country at the moment, and all mobile apps, including WhatsApp, are running smoothly.