Parliamentarians Raise Concerns Over Mobile and Internet Services Across Pakistan

**Islamabad:** During the question hour in the National Assembly, members from both the government and opposition criticized mobile companies over poor network and internet services across the country.

MNA Polin Baloch highlighted the lack of internet access in Balochistan, stating that many areas of the province remain disconnected. Several parliamentarians pointed out that students face difficulties applying online for admissions and jobs due to slow and unreliable internet.

The Parliamentary Secretary noted that currently 273 MHz of spectrum is available, which is insufficient for required internet speeds. He added that an auction for 600 MHz spectrum is planned next month, which is expected to double internet speeds.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq raised concerns about mobile service gaps on major motorways, mentioning that Islamabad-Lahore and Islamabad-Peshawar motorways lack proper coverage. MNA Sanaullah Mastikhel said mobile signals are unavailable on the Islamabad-CPEC motorway and the Mianwali-Bhakkar MM Road, and even Parliament Lodges face internet issues, highlighting the severity of the problem in remote areas like Balochistan.

The Parliamentary Secretary stated that Rs 5.2 billion from the Universal Service Fund (USF) has been allocated for mobile and internet services in Balochistan, the highest amount given to any province. However, Polin Baloch questioned why, despite this funding, Balochistan continues to face the most severe connectivity problems.

Lawmakers called for urgent improvements to ensure reliable mobile and internet services nationwide, especially in underserved provinces.