ISLAMABAD: Users of the Zong cellular network experienced disruptions to mobile and data services in multiple cities on Thursday, reportedly due to the installation of a new web management system (WMS).
Customers, including corporate clients, reported connectivity issues around noon and shared their frustrations on social media about service degradation and sudden service blackouts.
While there was no official response from the company or telecom regulator, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Zong acknowledged the disruptions through responses to users’ complaints on social media.
Interestingly, the most serious disruptions were reported in Karachi, where no security-related jamming had been reported, unlike the federal capital, which is preparing for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, or parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where restrictions have been imposed.
PTA sources say ‘firewall’ upgrade to be completed by October-end
M. Sarfaraz, who works for a private firm in Islamabad, reported weak signals and a complete blackout of mobile data services around 11:30 am.
“The first thing that came to my mind was that authorities must be testing jammers in Islamabad. Later I realized that only the Zong connection had very weak signals,” he added.
In its reply to a user through its official X account, Zong said: “Our network services are now back to normal. Sorry for the inconvenience caused earlier. We appreciate your patience and understanding. You should now be able to make calls, send texts, and browse seamlessly.”
One of the four main mobile operators in the country, Zong has around 26 percent of the total cellular customer base.
A source within the company attributed the issue to work on the WMS. They mentioned that the installation and testing of the content filtration system were in their final phases.
Meanwhile, a senior PTA official told Dawn that a content filtration system or firewall for protection against cyberattacks is being upgraded and will be completed by the last week of October.
Authorities have also warned of service disruptions in Islamabad during the coming days due to security concerns related to the SCO meeting next week and in several KP districts due to a planned Jirga by the recently banned Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement.
“But this is likely to be a short-term disturbance faced by the customers and the service quality will be normal by the end of next week,” the executive added.
