PTA directs telcos to maintain connectivity, support relief operations

ISLAMABAD: As flash floods and landslides continue to affect parts of Pakistan during the ongoing monsoon season, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued an emergency advisory to telecom operators, urging them to maintain uninterrupted mobile services and take swift action in disaster-hit areas.

To coordinate emergency efforts, the PTA has set up a National Emergency Telecommunication Coordination Centre (NETCC), which will oversee communication support and monitor service delivery across affected regions.

Telecom companies have been instructed to put their contingency plans into action without delay. They are required to ensure that mobile and internet services remain active in flood-affected areas and that infrastructure, especially in vulnerable zones, is fully secured.

The PTA has directed operators to immediately notify its headquarters in case of any major technical disruptions. Service restoration updates must be submitted every six hours to help authorities monitor progress on the ground.

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In a push to keep the public informed, mobile operators have also been asked to share flood-related updates, evacuation plans, and emergency contact numbers in both national and regional languages. The advisory stressed the need for public awareness efforts during this critical time.

Additionally, the PTA has asked operators to prioritise communication support for rescue and relief teams and, where needed, deploy temporary mobile units to ensure connectivity in hard-hit locations.

Local loop operators have been told to open their franchises in flood-stricken areas and address customer complaints promptly. The advisory also calls for the deployment of teams at top-up points to assist users and keep essential services like SIM sales and balance recharges running without interruption.

Lastly, the PTA has urged telecom companies to assign trained field staff at regional and local levels to ensure smooth operations and quick response in the days ahead.

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