The internet slowdown in Pakistan has become a hot topic among users and authorities alike.
With the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) recently blaming telecom infrastructure for the sluggish speeds, the discussion has taken a new direction.
PTA’s Role and Public Reaction
The PTA, responsible for regulating telecommunications in Pakistan, has faced criticism from users frustrated by inconsistent internet performance. While its earlier concerns about VPNs dominated the discourse, the real culprits appear to be deeper issues like infrastructure gaps and external disruptions.
One of the primary reasons behind the internet slowdown is Pakistan’s aging and inadequate telecom infrastructure. This includes outdated equipment and insufficient investments in modernization.
Frequent power outages exacerbate the problem, leaving many telecom sites without the energy needed to maintain uninterrupted connectivity.
Pakistan’s fiber-optic network remains underdeveloped compared to global standards, limiting high-speed internet access across the country.
Telecom Infrastructure Challenges
Shockingly, 42% of telecom sites across the country operate without generators. This leaves over 21,000 sites vulnerable to the country’s notorious load-shedding problems.
Without reliable power backups, these sites fail to provide consistent internet services during outages, leading to disruptions for millions of users.
Over 739 telecom sites have reported theft of generators and other vital equipment in recent years, further destabilizing the already strained network.
Terrorist Attacks on Telecom Sites
Adding to the woes, 147 sites have been attacked by terrorists in the last five years, further crippling the infrastructure and internet performance.
In the past, faults in submarine cables connecting Pakistan to the global internet grid caused significant slowdowns. While some of these issues have been resolved, the dependency on such cables remains a concern.
A beacon of hope lies in the Transworld Cable Project, which aims to lay 45,000 kilometers of new cables to connect Pakistan with 33 African and Middle Eastern countries.
Expected Impact on Bandwidth
This project promises to deliver 18 terabytes per second of bandwidth, a significant improvement expected to enhance internet speed nationwide.
The PTA has emphasized the need to upgrade infrastructure and improve management systems to address internet issues effectively.
Collaboration between the Ministry of IT, PTA, telecom operators, and social media platforms is paving the way for innovative solutions to enhance internet services.
