Web Desk
Aug 25, 2024
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Saturday clarified that the news circulating regarding the closure of ATMs is misleading, terming is as “fake news”.
“In response to the fake news circulating in the media about potential closure of ATMs, it is clarified that currently there is no such issue of non-availability/ closure of LDI networks that may potentially impact IT or financial sector including ATM networks,” the PTA clarification read.
The authoritative body mentioned that the operations of the expired long distance international (LDI) licensees are not suspended or shutdown.
It should be noted that the news regarding the closure of ATMs circulated after the PTA on Friday expressed concerns of a large-scale telecom blackout due to the non-renewal of LDI licenses.
According to report published in The News, the body presented some documents before the Senate Standing Committee IT, as per which % of internet traffic will be affected,% of ATMs in the country will stop working, while the non-renewal of licenses will also affect global traffic to Pakistan and shifting of service to other operators will affect global communications.
The PTA has linked the renewal of license to the payment of arrears. The LDI license of three to four companies has expired, while the license of some companies will expire in the coming months.
