Internet, Mobile Traffic, ATMs At Risk of Shutting Down Across Pakistan

Around 50 percent of mobile traffic, 10 percent of Internet traffic, and around 40 percent of ATM banking machines are at risk of out of service, due to non-renewal of Long Distance International (LDI) licenses on account of outstanding dues of around Rs. 79 billion, official documents revealed. There were 13 LDI Licensees up for renewal. Four licenses are processed for renewal, and the remaining 9 licensees have outstanding dues regarding APC for USF. The non-renewal of telecommunication licenses can significantly impact the telecom ecosystem, affecting service quality, business operations, and the broader economy. The Long Haul and Metro Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) Network is a total of 27,567 km of Long Haul OFC and 18337 Km of Metro OFC: Licensees like Telecard, Multinet, Retone, and Dancom operate satellite hubs with substantial throughput capacities, supporting critical communication needs. Non-renewal of the LDI license will impact banking services, sites of the mobile operator, and connectivity provided to LEAs and Government Departments in remote areas. Pakistan has several cross-border microwaves and OFC links with neighboring countries like Afghanistan, facilitated by Multinet Pakistan which enhance international connectivity. Non-renewal will lead to the discontinuity of the international data transit, potentially causing connectivity issues for operators in Afghanistan that rely on these routes. Non-renewal of LD! licenses will result in a disruption of international incoming traffic. Consequently, this traffic will need to be rerouted to other LDI operators. It could lead to potential service degradation, increased operational strain on the remaining operators, and possible interruptions in the continuity of international communication services. Pakistan has several cross-border microwaves and OFC links with neighboring countries like Afghanistan, facilitated by Multinet Pakistan which enhance international connectivity. Non-renewal will lead to the discontinuity of the International data transit, potentially causing connectivity issues for operators in Afghanistan.