PTA Pushes Telcos to Adopt AI to Improve Mobile Network Quality in 2025. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is pushing Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) to adopt AI-driven solutions to enhance mobile network quality. With spectrum scarcity, infrastructure gaps, and power-related challenges affecting service, AI adoption is now more crucial than ever. This move aims to ensure better connectivity, improved reliability, and a seamless mobile experience for millions of users across Pakistan.
Spectrum Scarcity: The Core Challenge
Current Spectrum Allocation
Pakistan currently has only 274 MHz of spectrum allocated to CMOs, one of the lowest in the region. PTA highlighted that spectrum availability is a critical factor in determining mobile network quality.
| Spectrum Allocation | Current (MHz) | Planned Expansion (MHz) | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMOs | 274 | +600 | 200% |
The upcoming spectrum auction in Q1 2026 is expected to significantly ease these limitations, providing operators with more capacity to serve Pakistan’s growing mobile broadband user base of 48 million subscribers.
International Connectivity Constraints
Pakistan relies on six operational submarine cables for international connectivity. These face occasional issues, affecting network reliability. To enhance redundancy and capacity, four additional submarine cables are being deployed.
Despite these upgrades, the country’s low fiber-to-tower ratio remains a structural challenge. PTA plans to make capacity enhancement mandatory in upcoming licensing frameworks.
AI-Driven Network Management
Why AI Matters for Mobile Networks
Artificial Intelligence (AI) allows operators to analyze traffic patterns, predict outages, and optimize network performance in real-time. By integrating AI, telcos can:
- Reduce downtime and service interruptions
- Enhance data speed and quality
- Automatically detect and fix network anomalies
PTA’s Advisory to CMOs
PTA has issued advisory directions for telcos to deploy AI-based network optimization tools. This is expected to improve both Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE), benefiting end users across urban and remote areas.
Infrastructure and Backhaul Challenges
Power-Related Issues
Persistent power outages and load shedding disrupt telecom operations. Operators maintain three-layer backup systems: generators, solar solutions, and batteries. However, vandalism and theft of infrastructure remain significant hurdles.
Fiber-to-Tower Ratio
A low fiber-to-tower ratio hampers efficient backhaul operations. PTA is actively exploring strategies to enhance backhaul capacity, ensuring smooth data transmission between base stations and the core network.
Quality of Service (QoS) Surveys
PTA conducts nationwide QoS surveys to monitor service quality against regulatory thresholds. Over the past three years:
- 2023: 81 surveys (47 complaint-based)
- 2024: 74 surveys (65 complaint-based)
- 2025: 98 surveys (55 complaint-based)
Survey results are published on PTA’s website, ensuring transparency and accountability. Additionally, crowdsourced QoS and QoE analytics are leveraged for comprehensive insights.
National Roaming Initiatives
To enhance connectivity in underserved regions, PTA has implemented national roaming along the Karachi–Gwadar highway and in several areas of Balochistan and Sindh. This initiative ensures continuous coverage even where a single operator’s network may be weak.
Key Benefits of AI in Pakistani Telecom
- Optimized Network Performance: AI enables real-time traffic analysis and automated adjustments.
- Reduced Operational Costs: Predictive maintenance reduces repair costs and downtime.
- Improved Customer Experience: Faster internet speeds and fewer dropped calls.
- Data-Driven Insights: AI tools provide analytics for better decision-making.
LSI Keywords for SEO:
- Mobile network optimization Pakistan
- AI in telecom Pakistan
- Spectrum allocation 2025
- Pakistan mobile broadband growth
- Telco infrastructure challenges
FAQs
Q1: Why is spectrum scarcity a problem for Pakistan’s telecom sector?
Spectrum scarcity limits network capacity, slowing data speeds and affecting service quality for mobile users.
Q2: How will AI improve network quality for CMOs?
AI enables predictive maintenance, real-time traffic optimization, and automated network problem detection, enhancing QoS and QoE.
Q3: When will Pakistan expand its spectrum for mobile operators?
PTA plans to auction additional spectrum in Q1 2026, adding over 600 MHz to current allocations.
Q4: What are the major infrastructure challenges for telcos?
Challenges include low fiber-to-tower ratio, power outages, vandalism, and limited international connectivity.
Q5: How does national roaming benefit remote areas?
National roaming ensures continuous coverage where a single operator’s signal is weak, enhancing user experience on highways and rural areas.
Conclusion
PTA’s push for AI adoption in mobile networks is a forward-looking strategy to tackle spectrum scarcity, power challenges, and infrastructure gaps in Pakistan. By leveraging AI-driven tools, CMOs can enhance network quality, improve customer experience, and ensure reliable connectivity nationwide.
