PTA Survey Highlights Telecom Gaps in Gilgit-Baltistan

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has released findings from its Quality of Service (QoS) survey conducted between April and June 2026, revealing significant and ongoing issues with telecommunications and digital connectivity in Gilgit-Baltistan. As part of this comprehensive assessment, PTA teams performed approximately 4,100 voice and SMS tests, alongside 3,960 broadband tests, across six challenging high-altitude locations situated in both Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) and Gilgit-Baltistan. The primary objective of the survey was to pinpoint regions that are either entirely unserved or inadequately served by existing telecom infrastructure, highlighting a critical digital divide. This report underscores the persistent challenges in providing reliable communication services to remote, mountainous areas, impacting residents' access to essential digital resources and opportunities. The findings are crucial for informing future policy decisions and infrastructure investments aimed at bridging these connectivity gaps and fostering digital inclusion in these strategic regions.