PALANDARI: Authorities in the Sudhnati district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have decided to take strict action against the telecom companies operating within their vicinity for providing poor mobile and internet services.
In a circular, district magistrate of Sadhanoti, Mumtaz Kazmi, has directed all the sub-divisional magistrates, and police officers to seal all telecom company franchises, microfinance bank outlets, service stalls and related facilities across the district within 24 hours due to poor service quality.
According to the circular, telecom companies are providing substandard services despite heavy taxation, with 35 percent deductions on services while failing to deliver even basic 2G or 3G, let alone promised 4G connectivity.
The order also highlights that cellular towers in the area shut down during power outages, leaving residents completely disconnected, and that companies have not established any complaint mechanism in the district.
“Despite repeated written communications, telecom companies failed to address public complaints,” the magistrate said.
He warned that in the next phase, telecom towers will also be closed. “Until services improve, towers are streamline, and grienves of the public addressed, these installation will remain sealed. Any violations of the order would lead to legal action under relevant laws.”
Interestingly, a similar move was made by Mayor Municipal Corporation Muzaffarabad Syed Sikandar Nisar Gilani in January, who had written a letter to the telecom companies operating in the capital of AJK, warning them to improve their internet and call services immediately, or their towers will be sealed.
The letter was sent to all four major telecom companies operating in the region: Jazz, Ufone, Telenor, and Zong.
The mayor noted in the letter that complaints have been pouring in regarding substandard services provided by mobile phone companies in AJK. “Pre-paid mobile phone carriers are charging in full while providing substandard call and internet services.”
The letter directed the companies to improve their mobile phone services within 10 days and arrange alternative power sources to ensure uninterrupted service during electricity load-shedding.
The mayor warned that failure to comply would result in legal action under the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Local Government Amendment Act, 2023, Section 83, Schedule 1, Part (1).
“Towers of telecom companies failing to meet the required standards would be sealed without entertaining any excuses or objections.”
However, the mayor’s efforts were in vain, as local reports indicate that cellular services in Muzaffarabad have worsened since then.