KARACHI:
There is a dangerous link between frequent power cuts and telecommunication failures. Whenever the electricity goes out, mobile towers and broadband networks soon follow — backup batteries fail within hours. This leaves residents without internet, mobile service or emergency numbers. In recent heatwaves and storms, many could not call for help when it was needed most.
These dual failures disrupt work, education, healthcare and emergency response. The problem is clear: telecom infrastructure lacks reliable, long-duration power backup. The regulators should ensure at least 8 to 12 hours of backup power for all towers and exchanges. Additionally, critical areas like hospitals and fire stations should have dedicated resilient links. Reliable communication is not a luxury — it is a lifeline. Power and telecom outages must no longer go hand in hand.
Zainab Nawal
Karachi
