The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has raised serious concerns over the potential impact of non-renewed Long Distance International (LDI) licenses. In a document submitted to Parliament, the PTA warned of the significant threat this poses to Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure. The ramifications could be widespread, affecting mobile services, internet connectivity, and banking operations across the country.
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According to the document, Pakistan’s long-haul and metro optical fiber cable (OFC) network covers 25,567 km and 18,337 km, respectively. Companies like Wateen Telecom, which manage substantial portions of the long-haul OFC network, have leased their infrastructure to major telecom operators such as Telenor, Jazz, and CMPak. These operators depend on the network for fiber-to-the-site (FTTS) connectivity, which is vital for delivering essential services to millions of users.
The failure to renew LDI licenses could have severe consequences for these telecom companies, leading to significant outages in mobile and internet services, as well as disruptions in banking transactions that rely heavily on stable telecommunications networks. This scenario underscores the critical importance of addressing the issue without delay.
The PTA’s warning highlights the urgent need for government action. The potential non-renewal of LDI licenses could have far-reaching effects on Pakistan’s economy and its digital development. Ensuring the continuity of LDI licenses is essential to maintaining the stability and growth of the telecom sector, which is crucial as the country expands its digital infrastructure.
As Pakistan continues to enhance its digital capabilities, a dependable telecom network is vital. The government must prioritize the renewal of LDI licenses to safeguard the telecom sector’s stability and support the nation’s ongoing digital progress.
