PTA inspects telecom towers amid load-shedding

Islamabad (Web Desk): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched inspections of backup power arrangements at telecom towers across the country to help maintain mobile and internet services during prolonged electricity outages.

According to the PTA, special teams are checking telecom towers in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Quetta, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Multan, Faisalabad and Muzaffarabad. The inspection drive covers both urban and rural areas.

The teams are examining the condition and operational capacity of backup batteries, generators and solar power systems installed at telecom sites, particularly in areas experiencing extended load-shedding.

The PTA said the exercise is aimed at keeping telecom infrastructure operational during power cuts so that users can continue to access mobile and internet services with minimum disruption. Elected local representatives and their nominated persons are also accompanying PTA teams during the inspections.

Frequent and prolonged power outages have emerged as a major challenge for Pakistan’s telecom sector.

According to Dawn, a Senate committee was informed in June 2026 that persistent load-shedding was rapidly draining backup batteries at telecom towers and increasing fuel consumption by generators, potentially affecting the continuity of services.

The PTA’s National Telecom Security Framework also stresses the need for alternative power arrangements for critical facilities such as mobile base stations during electricity disruptions. These measures include battery backup systems and, where necessary, privately operated generators.

Earlier this year, the government also examined proposals to exempt telecom towers from load-shedding and provide priority electricity supplies to critical telecom infrastructure.

A committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of IT, PTA, NEPRA, the Power Division and the telecom industry was also formed to examine the matter.

According to Business Recorder, mobile operators had previously highlighted the impact of prolonged power outages on network services. In April 2026, a major mobile operator said repeated electricity cuts prevented tower backup batteries from being fully recharged, increasing the risk of disruptions to mobile services.

The latest inspection drive is intended to assess the effectiveness of alternative power systems at telecom towers in areas most affected by load-shedding and determine what additional measures may be required to keep mobile and internet services running during extended powe