On Saturday, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has stated that the news circulating about the closure of ATMs in the country is misleading and fake and should not be believed.
The PTA clarified, “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.”
Furthermore, the PTA explained that it has not suspended or shut down any expired long distance international (LDI) licensees operations.
This statement comes after the news circulated on Friday about the closure of ATMs after the PTA expressed concerns about a telecom blackout due to non-renewal of LDI licenses.
According to The News report, the PTA presented documents to the Senate Standing Committee IT showing that a percentage of internet traffic and ATMs in Pakistan could be affected by the non-renewal of licenses. Additionally, this may impact global communications as services would need to shift to other operators.
The PTA has made it clear that license renewal depends on the payment of outstanding dues. While some companies have already had their LDI licenses expire, others will expire in the coming months.
