In recent weeks, Pakistan has been grappling with a significant slowdown in internet speed, which has impacted various sectors, particularly the telecommunications industry, freelancers, and call centers. The Chairman of the Standing Committee on Information Technology, Aminul Haque, recently addressed these concerns during an interview on Geo News’ program “Geo Pakistan.” He discussed the factors contributing to the internet slowdown, the resulting economic losses, and the steps being taken to resolve the issue.
Causes of the Internet Slowdown
According to Aminul Haque, the primary reason for the slowdown in internet speed is a fault in the submarine cable system, which plays a critical role in connecting Pakistan to the global internet infrastructure. Submarine cables are responsible for carrying the majority of the world’s internet traffic, and any disruption in these cables can have widespread consequences.
In addition to the submarine cable fault, Aminul Haque mentioned that the internet has also slowed down due to issues related to firewall or web management systems in the country. The web management system, often implemented for security and traffic management purposes, can sometimes inadvertently cause delays in internet traffic, leading to slower speeds for end-users.
This explanation contrasts with a recent statement from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman, Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman. He denied the existence of a firewall in Pakistan’s internet infrastructure, instead attributing the slowdown solely to the submarine cable fault. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of the issue and the need for clear communication from relevant authorities to the public.
Impact on the Economy
The slow internet speed has had a significant economic impact, particularly on the telecom sector, which has reportedly suffered losses of around 30 crore rupees. This figure reflects the reduced revenue generated by telecom companies due to slower internet speeds, which has affected their ability to provide reliable services to customers.
Moreover, the slowdown has severely impacted freelancers and call centers, many of which rely on high-speed internet to conduct business. Pakistan has a growing community of freelancers who work remotely for clients around the world. These professionals depend on stable and fast internet connections to meet deadlines, communicate with clients, and deliver high-quality work. The recent slowdown has likely led to missed opportunities, delayed projects, and dissatisfied clients, further exacerbating the financial strain on freelancers.
Call centers, which are another significant contributor to Pakistan’s economy, have also been hit hard. These centers handle customer service, sales, and technical support for companies both domestically and internationally. Slow internet speeds can lead to dropped calls, poor voice quality, and longer response times, all of which can damage a company’s reputation and lead to lost business.
Government Response and Future Outlook
Aminul Haque emphasized that the government and relevant authorities are aware of the issue and are taking steps to resolve it. He expressed frustration that the PTA had not informed the public or the government about the potential for internet slowdowns earlier, suggesting that proactive communication could have helped mitigate some of the negative impacts.
The Chairman of the Standing Committee on Information Technology also provided a timeline for when the public can expect improvements. He mentioned that the internet situation should improve after August 27, once repairs to the submarine cable are completed and any necessary adjustments to the web management system are made.
This assurance is crucial for businesses and individuals who rely heavily on the internet for their daily operations. However, it also underscores the importance of having a robust and redundant internet infrastructure to prevent such issues from arising in the future. The government may need to consider investing in additional submarine cables or alternative connectivity options to ensure that Pakistan’s internet remains resilient in the face of technical difficulties.
The recent slowdown in internet speed in Pakistan has highlighted the vulnerabilities in the country’s digital infrastructure. While the primary cause has been identified as a fault in the submarine cable, issues related to web management systems have also contributed to the problem. The economic impact has been significant, particularly for the telecom sector, freelancers, and call centers, all of which rely on stable and fast internet connections to function effectively.
The government’s response, including the timeline provided by Aminul Haque, offers some hope that the situation will improve in the near future. However, this incident serves as a reminder of the need for continuous investment in and maintenance of the country’s internet infrastructure to avoid similar disruptions in the future. As Pakistan continues to grow its digital economy, ensuring reliable and fast internet access will be essential for sustaining economic growth and maintaining the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.
