Pakistani IT bodies are urging the government to address slow Internet speeds, emphasizing the economic implications as the country endured $1.62 billion in losses from disruptions in 2024. The report highlights significant hours of outages affecting millions, urging the swift rollout of 5G and improved Internet infrastructure to support the thriving IT sector. Calls for immediate action reflect a critical need to stabilize connectivity and enhance economic growth.
On Sunday, Pakistani IT associations called upon the government to urgently tackle the persistent issue of slow Internet speeds, advocating for the expedited rollout of the 5G spectrum and related enhancements. This call to action follows alarming reports from Top10VPN.com, which indicated that Pakistan sustained over $1.62 billion in economic losses due to Internet outages and social media blockages in 2024, significantly surpassing losses incurred by conflict-ridden nations such as Sudan and Myanmar.
In total, residents of Pakistan, a country of approximately 240 million people, experienced 9,735 hours of Internet disruptions, adversely affecting around 82.9 million individuals, particularly during periods of elections and protests. The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) cautioned that sustained slow Internet speeds and VPN restrictions could exacerbate operational costs in the IT sector by an estimated $150 million a year.
Chairman of P@SHA, Sajjad Mustafa Syed, expressed deep concerns, stating, “Pakistan suffers a loss of more than one million dollars per hour on account of Internet shutdown in the country.” He highlighted the pressing necessity for the government to implement a 5G rollout, anticipated through a spectrum auction in March, while simultaneously completing fiberization projects and augmenting undersea cable infrastructure.
Despite these hurdles, the IT sector has made considerable gains recently, with export figures reaching $3.2 billion in the last fiscal year. However, frequent Internet shutdowns pose a risk to future revenues and sustainability. Achieving the government’s export targets of $15 billion this fiscal year hinges on the improvement of infrastructure, workforce competency, and favorable market conditions.
According to the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP), Internet speeds have decreased by as much as 40 percent in recent months due to government interventions aimed at implementing a national security protocol against perceived threats. Efforts to block access to VPN services have further complicated connectivity, raising concerns about the potential stifling of economic growth. Rights activists have condemned these measures as detrimental to democratic freedoms, a claim the government disputes.
Tufail Ahmed Khan, president of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), noted that over 2.37 million freelancers have been directly impacted by these connectivity disruptions. He remarked, “the connectivity issue should be resolved on priority, so that we can work on increasing freelancing in Pakistan which will not only increase our foreign remittances but also reduce pressure on government for employment.”
Despite these difficulties, there are optimistic undertones regarding a National Fiberization Policy proposed by the government aimed at enhancing broadband access. Additionally, discussions with Elon Musk’s Starlink for satellite Internet services suggest a move towards diversifying connectivity options.
The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA), which oversees Internet management, responded to recent disruptions caused by a fault in the Asia-Africa-Europe-1 (AAE-1) submarine cable by securing temporary bandwidth solutions. Future enhancements in speed and connectivity are anticipated via the 2Africa submarine cable project, which is expected to significantly bolster Internet capabilities in Pakistan.
The government’s focus on resolving these issues, including potential collaborations with major technology stakeholders, reflects a recognition of the critical role Internet infrastructure plays in economic development. Authorities must prioritize these initiatives to ensure that Pakistan’s IT sector continues to thrive.
The article addresses the pressing issue of deteriorating Internet speeds in Pakistan, which has led to significant economic losses, particularly in the country’s burgeoning IT sector. According to a report by Top10VPN.com, Internet disruptions have cost Pakistan over $1.62 billion in 2024, underscoring the impact of outages and social media restrictions on economic activity. The report also highlights the substantial hours of disruption faced by millions of users, attributing key events like elections and protests as major causes for these outages. Amid calls from IT associations for rapid action, there is a growing recognition that enhanced Internet infrastructure is critical to maintaining the momentum of the IT industry, which has been significantly contributing to the national economy.
In conclusion, the Pakistani IT sector is at a pivotal juncture where the improvement of Internet services is critical for future growth. With staggering losses already recorded due to slow speeds and outages, immediate government action is required to implement solutions such as a 5G rollout and the completion of essential infrastructure projects. Further, ensuring favorable policies for Internet use and VPN accessibility will be essential in sustaining the economic trajectory of the IT industry. The government must prioritize these improvements to not only mitigate current losses but also to capitalize on the potential of the growing global digital economy.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
