COVID-19 outbreak: PTA issues advisory for operators, stakeholders

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued an advisory for telecom operators and stakeholders for uninterrupted telecom services amid coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the country.
In order to spread awareness among the general public about preventive measures against coronavirus, the PTA has directed mobile phone operators to replace standard ring back tone (heard by caller when a call is being made) with awareness messages about COVID-19 preventive measures. According to the advisory issued to all telecom licensees, uninterrupted communication services and support be ensured to general public in case of lockdown due to the precautionary measures including "social distancing" and work from home, the dependence of the general public/public and private-sector organisations has increased manifold on uninterrupted telecommunication services. The objective of the advisory is to ensure provision of un-interrupted telecom services by keeping telecom sector prepared in view of the COVID-19 in Pakistan.
Due to the precautionary measures including "social distancing" and "work from home", the dependence of the general public/public and private sector organizations has increased manifold on uninterrupted telecommunication services. All telecom operators are directed for preparedness/contingency plans for provision of un-interrupted telecom services in the country including the AJK and the GB.
Following are the guidelines for developing mechanisms for emergency preparedness /response: Necessary resources should remain available at all levels for smooth functioning of voice/data services and networks. All support staff should adopt necessary preventive measures against the coronavirus; Any major communications breakdown shall immediately be reported to the PTA HQs and its concerned zonal offices in jurisdiction of which the breakdown occurs;
All Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) and local loop operators should ensure that customers have access to their services (top ups, scratch cards, provision of SIMS etc). Necessary preventive measures to curtail the spread of the virus as per health advisories at customer touch points be ensured;
Coordinate with local authorities for functioning of franchises, top up outlets and communication networks in the affected area; Redress consumer complaints efficiently within minimum possible timeframe, with fully equipped teams, in wake of coronavirus spread threat; and awareness messages from all CMOs from time-to-time in national and regional languages.