The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication has raised alarm over the persistently poor quality of internet services across Pakistan, with major urban centers like Karachi experiencing the same connectivity woes as remote areas. During a Tuesday session, lawmakers heard that slow speeds and frequent call failures remain common despite technological upgrades, while power outages and infrastructure gaps compound the problem. Main Developments Committee Chairman Syed Aminul Haque noted that users routinely encounter sluggish internet speeds and repeated call connection failures, even after multiple attempts. PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman informed the panel that total available spectrum has surged from 274MHz to 754MHz following the 5G spectrum auction, with operators launching 5G services in 22 cities. However, Rehman acknowledged that no new infrastructure has been deployed for 5G; services are running on existing mobile towers and networks. He said new 5G infrastructure would be rolled out gradually over the next six to eight months, which should improve service quality and speed across the country. Read also: PTCL Board Confirms Nadeem Khan as New CEO The committee identified electricity shortages as a major obstacle to reliable mobile and broadband services. Prolonged power outages—up to 10 hours daily in some areas—severely affect mobile tower performance, leading to connectivity disruptions. The PTA chairman said the issue has been raised with Nepra and power distribution companies, and the prime minister has formed a high-level committee to find a sustainable solution for uninterrupted power to telecom towers. On taxation, the committee learned that 92 percent of smartphones in use are locally manufactured or assembled, while only 8 percent are imported—primarily Apple iPhones and Google Pixel devices. The PTA chairman clarified that taxes on imported phones go to the Federal Board of Revenue, not the PTA, which only registers and whitelists devices through its DIRBS system after duties are paid. The committee directed the IT Ministry to encourage Apple and other global brands to set up local assembly plants. Background Pakistan's telecom sector has long struggled with infrastructure gaps, particularly in rural areas, but the current crisis extends to major cities like Karachi. The country's spectrum capacity was limited until the 5G auction expanded it significantly, yet operators have not built new towers to leverage the additional bandwidth. Power outages have been a persistent challenge for telecom networks, as mobile towers rely on grid electricity or backup generators. The committee's proposal to tap alternative energy sources—specifically wind power—reflects an acknowledgment that the national grid cannot guarantee reliable supply. Pakistan's wind corridor in the south offers significant potential for such installations. The Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was deferred, highlights ongoing tensions over centralizing authority. The proposed changes would replace the term "federal government" with "prime minister" in the legislation, a shift that PPP lawmakers argued transfers power from the federal cabinet to the prime minister. Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja admitted there was no political consensus on the bill and assured the committee it would not pass without stakeholder agreement. Why It Matters Poor internet quality hampers economic activity, education, healthcare, and daily communication for millions of Pakistanis, including those in urban hubs like Karachi. The reliance on imported mobile phones—especially high-end devices—also imposes tax burdens on consumers and limits local industry growth. The electricity-telco nexus is critical: without stable power, even advanced 5G networks cannot deliver promised speeds. The committee's push for renewable energy at telecom sites could reduce operational costs and environmental impact, but implementation remains uncertain. The deferred bill on electronic transactions, meanwhile, raises questions about governance and the balance of power in digital policymaking. What's Next The PTA expects 5G infrastructure to improve over the next six to eight months, with gradual deployment of new towers. The prime minister's high-level committee on power supply for telecom towers is expected to propose a sustainable solution soon. The IT Ministry has been directed to engage Apple and other global brands about local assembly, though no timeline has been set. The Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill will remain on hold until political consensus is reached, with the Ministry of Law scheduled to provide a detailed briefing to the committee first.