Pakistani IT associations are urging the government to resolve the issue of slow Internet speeds, which resulted in losses of $1.62 billion in 2024 due to outages and social media restrictions. With promises of a 5G rollout and enhanced infrastructure, experts stress the importance of stabilizing connectivity to foster economic growth in the IT sector.
In an urgent call to action, Pakistani IT associations and experts have implored the government to address the pressing issue of sluggish Internet speeds. They advocate for an accelerated rollout of the 5G spectrum and the implementation of strategies to combat the debilitating effects of Internet disruptions, which reportedly cost Pakistan $1.62 billion in 2024. This figure surpasses the economic losses experienced by nations amidst civil unrest, highlighting the critical state of connectivity across the country.
A recent report from Top10VPN.com disclosed that Pakistan endured 9,735 hours of Internet outages impacting over 82 million users, largely due to elections and protests. The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has indicated that continuous slowdowns and VPN restrictions could inflate operational costs by up to $150 million yearly. P@SHA Chairman Sajjad Mustafa Syed emphasized the urgency of resolving these connectivity issues, advocating for the 5G auctions scheduled for March and the completion of fiber optics infrastructure.
In recent months, Internet speeds have reportedly plummeted by 40 percent. This decline follows the government’s implementation of a nationwide firewall intended to counteract cyber threats, a move that many attribute to the stifling of free speech and democratic dialogue in Pakistan. Additionally, the intention to ban VPN access reinforces concerns among rights advocates regarding government surveillance and accountability.
As Pakistan prepares to enhance its telecommunications infrastructure through collaborations with global entities and the introduction of satellite services, industry stakeholders express optimism for improvements but underline the critical need for immediate action against current Internet inefficiencies.
The context of this appeal arises from significant economic losses as a result of Internet disruptions and slow connectivity in Pakistan. The IT sector, which had previously shown strong growth with a reported $3.2 billion in exports, faces a potential setback if measures are not taken to improve infrastructure and Internet speeds. Frustrations have increased due to governmental restrictions on VPNs and social media, seen as attempts to control public discourse rather than enhance security. Given the technological landscape’s rapid evolution, the adoption of 5G technology and international collaborations such as the 2Africa cable project are essential steps highlighted by advocates for improving Pakistan’s connectivity.
The collective call from Pakistani IT bodies for government intervention underscores the urgency of addressing the slow Internet crisis, which has proven economically detrimental. As stakeholders push for the swift deployment of 5G technology and the enhancement of existing infrastructural capabilities, it is clear that systemic changes are required to facilitate both resilience in the economy and the growth of the IT sector. Ongoing dialogues regarding Internet policy reforms will be crucial in navigating future challenges.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
