THE Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) advised mobile phone users on Thursday to adjust their network settings and adopt newer technologies, including Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE), WiFi Calling and VoWiFi, to improve their calling and mobile internet experience. Responding to consumer complaints regarding unclear voice quality and connection delays on 4G and LTE calls, the telecom regulator recommended that users verify their handset network settings and activate the 4G/LTE option if it is not already switched on. The authority urged consumers to enable VoLTE, WiFi Calling and VoWiFi options on their phones, noting that the availability and use of these facilities depend on compatibility between the handset and the relevant mobile operator.
These guidelines will surely improve cellular experience of those who are not aware of such options but it is naïve to portray the problem of poor voice quality and data service by mobile companies as lack of awareness on the part of users. Mobile phones have become widely used gadgets in the era of modern technology and not to speak of adults even small children are fully familiar with their operations and working. It is regrettable that instead of taking up the issue of drop calls and weak data signals with the cellular companies, PTA has opted for window-dressing by issuing a set of guidelines. The complaints in this regard are long-standing but the regulator did not move beyond carrying out quality of service surveys, the results of which have apparently not helped improve the situation in the absence of a wholesome strategy requiring operators to upgrade their networks and improve service. Experts point out that poor quality of mobile and data services in Pakistan stems from infrastructure deficits, power shortages, regulatory challenges and government monitoring systems. Only about 15% of mobile towers nationwide are connected to fibre optic networks (with the remaining 85% relying on lower-capacity links), which creates a major bottleneck for high-speed mobile data. Spectrum shortages are also causing severe network congestion, especially during peak hours. Prolonged power outages disrupt basic telecommunications infrastructure and mobile towers, causing frequent signal drops and service failures. In theory, all mobile towers have standby arrangements (generators) for the duration of load-shedding but these are not made use of because of steep rise in the cost of fuel. High taxation on telecom services is not only burdening consumers but also inhibiting the ability of operators to reinvest properly on rapid network expansion. We hope the PTA will pay due attention to these and other related issues that hamper improvement in the quality of service and also penalize operators found negligent in this regard.
