Tag Archives: PTA

VPN Block Trial in First Step Toward Internet Regulation On Sunday, the Pakistani government tested a six-hour block on over two dozen Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), marking a significant move toward internet regulation in the country. The trial, conducted between 4pm and 10pm, was the first time a government firewall visibly impacted internet access nationwide. The VPN block affected both …

PTA Receives Proposals for 5G Spectrum Auction Despite Industry Concerns Five international consultants have submitted proposals to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to oversee the 5G spectrum auction, anticipated to be completed within the ongoing fiscal year. However, there are concerns within the industry about whether this is the right time to roll out 5G technology in the country. In …

PTA Clarifies Annual Cybersecurity Audit of Telecom Licensees The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has recently issued a statement clarifying the scope and purpose of its annual cybersecurity audit of telecom licensees. This clarification comes in light of increasing concerns about the security of telecom infrastructure and the protection of end users. The PTA emphasized that these audits are conducted under …

In a recent meeting with the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (R) Hafeezur Rehman, addressed the ongoing internet disruptions across Pakistan. He clarified that the issues were primarily due to a technical fault in the submarine cable that connects Pakistan to the global internet infrastructure. The chairman reassured …

Extent of Disruptions On Friday, widespread internet outages caused significant disruptions across various cities, impacting major online platforms and leaving social media users grappling with connectivity issues. Speculations and Denials Speculation emerged that the outages might be linked to a new firewall installation by the government aimed at monitoring internet use. However, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) denied these claims, …

On Thursday, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeezur Rehman indicated that the authority is ready to lift the ban on X, formerly known as Twitter, if directed by the government. The platform has been suspended in Pakistan since February 17 due to national security concerns, though it remains accessible via Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). During a Senate Standing Committee on …