The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched the National Emergency Telecommunication Coordination Centre (NETCC) to oversee and ensure uninterrupted telecom services amid ongoing and potential flood emergencies across the country.
In an official advisory, the PTA instructed all telecom operators, including those in Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, to activate emergency plans. These measures are aimed at maintaining stable voice and data services in disaster-affected regions.
As communication becomes increasingly vital during emergencies, the PTA emphasized that telecom providers must stay fully prepared to support relief operations. The advisory urged operators to protect their physical infrastructure, especially in high-risk areas, in accordance with CTDISR standards. It also mandated the availability of backup fuel, spare parts, and safety resources for field teams.
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Telecom companies were told to report any major service outages to the NETCC and PTA zonal offices, with updates required every six hours until systems are restored. Operators must also broadcast flood alerts, evacuation messages, and emergency contacts in both national and regional languages.
To reach affected communities quickly, the use of Location-Based Services (LBS) for targeted alerts and deployment of temporary infrastructure—such as Cells on Wheels (COWs) and VSATs—has been advised. Restoring key network hubs remains a top priority.
PTA also stressed the importance of keeping telecom services like SIMs, mobile top-ups, and scratch cards available in flood-hit areas. Operators have been asked to coordinate with local authorities to keep franchises functional and to address customer complaints through mobile response teams trained in disaster scenarios.