By Muhammad Luqman
The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has assured the netizens that the country had “sufficient internet capacity” for the COVID-19 lockdown after internet usage rose 15% over a week people mostly stayed at home.
The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) said “a net increase of around 15% in internet usage was witnessed since last week” — based on data from the telecom operators — as the nation fights coronavirus.
The telecom sector regulator said that the increase has been observed due to increased online activities by educational institutions and businesses and, ‘work from home’ policy adopted by individuals and organizations.
It said that there is sufficient internet capacity available in the country to meet the growing demands of the future. PTA has been closely monitoring the internet usage patterns so as to ensure that fast & efficient telecom services remain available to the consumers in this difficult time.
Press Release: According to information being collected from telecom operators by PTA, a net increase of around 15% in internet usage was witnessed since last week as the country fights against #Coronavirus. #InternetusageinPakistan pic.twitter.com/0FK85BCFGW
— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) March 26, 2020
The PTA further noted that mobile phone companies have “sent 13 million awareness msgs about #Coronavirus to their subscribers today” in various languages.
Since 19 March, more than 366 million awareness msgs have been sent on PTA’s directions in English, Urdu, Sindhi, Punjabi, Balochi & Pashto.
PTA said that all telecom operators (telcos) including Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) and Local Loop (LL) operators will continue to provide uninterrupted telecom services to consumers at their customer support centers, franchises and other outlets with the help of essential support staff.
This is to ensure smooth functioning of voice/data services and networks. The operators have been directed to advise their support staff for adopting necessary preventative measures against COVID-19 for themselves and for customers. Federal and provincial government authorities have been requested to facilitate service providers in their logistics and maintenance services.
