Urgent Call from IT Bodies to Resolve Pakistan’s Internet Speed Crisis
Pakistani IT associations are urging the government to improve slow Internet speeds, linking it to significant economic losses amounting to $1.62 billion in 2024. The P@SHA has called for expedited 5G rollout and infrastructure improvements to address ongoing disruptions affecting millions of users, as Internet speeds decline and VPN restrictions persist. Experts emphasize the need to enhance Pakistan’s IT sector and protect its global reputation.
Pakistani information technology (IT) associations and experts have called on the government to urgently address the slow Internet speeds affecting the country. They emphasize the need for accelerating the rollout of 5G spectrum and other essential measures, especially given the alarming economic losses Pakistan has experienced due to Internet disruptions. According to recent findings, the nation incurred $1.62 billion in losses from Internet outages and social media restrictions in 2024, the highest reported globally.
This observation comes from a study by Top10VPN.com, released on January 2, which detailed that Pakistan faced a staggering 9,735 hours of Internet disruptions, influencing approximately 82.9 million users. Events such as political elections and protests primarily triggered these interruptions. The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has warned that the ongoing issues with Internet speed and restrictions on virtual private networks (VPNs) could result in substantial operational costs for the IT sector, with estimates indicating possible losses of up to $150 million each year.
P@SHA Chairman Sajjad Mustafa Syed stated, “Pakistan suffers a loss of more than one million dollars per hour on account of Internet shutdown in the country,” stressing the urgency of tackling these connectivity challenges. He highlighted that the rollout of 5G spectrum through an anticipated auction in March and enhanced infrastructure, such as fiberization and new undersea cables, are necessary for improving Internet service reliability.
Pakistan’s IT sector has seen substantial growth, with exports reaching $3.2 billion in the last fiscal year. However, persistent Internet issues threaten to undermine potential targets, including the government’s aim for $15 billion in IT exports this fiscal year. Weakening Internet speeds, reportedly declining by up to 40 percent recently, have been attributed to the government’s enforcement of a nationwide firewall aimed at blocking harmful content and countering cyber threats.
Some authorities have proposed a ban on VPNs, which are often used to secure Internet connections. The platform X has been inaccessible since February 2024, as the government claims this measure curtails anti-state activities. Rights activists argue that such restrictions are designed to limit dissenting voices, a claim the government rejects.
Furthermore, the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) highlighted the adverse effects of these disruptions on over 2.37 million freelancers in Pakistan. President Tufail Ahmed Khan noted, “Despite challenges such as Internet shutdowns and connectivity issues, Pakistan’s IT exports showed an upward trend last year, although growth could have been even stronger without these obstacles.”
Khan also recognized the government’s National Fiberization Policy as a positive step towards improving broadband access and Internet speeds, stressing the need to prioritize connectivity improvements. He articulated that fostering a robust freelancing environment could enhance foreign remittances and alleviate governmental employment burdens.
Moreover, Zohaib Khan, a former P@SHA chairman, articulated that freelancers have been particularly vulnerable to the fallout from Internet slowdowns and outages. He cautioned that the perception of persistent Internet issues harms Pakistan’s international reputation, which could have further ramifications for the IT industry. The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has promised to address degraded Internet performance and has initiated temporary bandwidth solutions in response to faults in undersea cables that influence connectivity.
Additionally, there are plans to enhance Internet speeds through the forthcoming connection with the 2Africa submarine cable system, anticipated for later this year. Moreover, talks are ongoing with Starlink, the satellite Internet service led by Elon Musk, to provide satellite broadband access in Pakistan, which could further revolutionize the connectivity landscape.
The context of this discussion revolves around the significant impact of slow and unreliable Internet services on Pakistan’s economy, particularly in its burgeoning IT sector. Recent estimates suggest that these disruptions not only hinder economic growth but also severely affect the daily operations of countless individuals and businesses dependent on consistent Internet access. This situation highlights the urgent need for infrastructural improvements and strategic policy reforms to facilitate better connectivity and foster an environment conducive to technological advancements.
In summary, the ongoing struggles with slow Internet speeds and frequent shutdowns pose a critical threat to Pakistan’s IT sector and overall economic stability. With a reported loss of $1.62 billion due to these disruptions in 2024, it is imperative that government actions prioritize the rollout of 5G technology and infrastructure enhancements. Engaging with stakeholders, including IT associations and the freelancing community, will be vital in formulating effective solutions to ensure sustainable growth in Pakistan’s digital landscape.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
