Pakistan’s IT experts are pressing the government to hasten the development of 5G services to alleviate slow Internet speeds. Internet disruptions have resulted in over USD 1.62 billion in economic losses in 2024, exacerbated by political events. The IT sector is at risk of unsustainable losses, with calls for improved infrastructure and policies to support the freelance community and attract foreign remittances.
Experts in the information technology sector in Pakistan are advocating for an accelerated rollout of 5G services to mitigate the persistent problem of slow Internet speeds. A recent report indicated that Pakistan experienced a staggering 9,735 hours of Internet disruption throughout 2024, impacting approximately 82.9 million users, primarily due to political instability including elections and protests. The economic ramifications of these interruptions are profound, leading to losses totaling USD 1.62 billion, more severe than those in nations experiencing conflict such as Sudan and Myanmar.
The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has cautioned that the local IT sector could incur annual losses of up to USD 150 million if Internet speeds do not improve and restrictions on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) persist. Chairman Sajjad Mustafa Syed highlighted that the country loses over one million dollars every hour due to Internet shutdowns. He has called for immediate governmental action to expedite the planned spectrum auction for 5G scheduled for March 2025, and emphasized the importance of enhancing the infrastructure through fibre-optic connections and introducing new undersea cable systems.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s IT sector has shown growth, with exports reaching USD 3.2 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year. Nonetheless, the frequent disruptions threaten the achievement of the government’s ambitious target of USD 15 billion in IT exports for the current fiscal year. Tufail Ahmed Khan, president of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), pointed out that these slow Internet speeds particularly affect the booming freelance community, urging the government to adopt policies that are more accommodating towards Internet and VPN services.
Zohaib Khan, a former chairman of P@SHA, expressed concern over the long-term damage that Internet shutdowns could inflict on Pakistan’s international image. He remarked that unfavourable reports regarding Internet accessibility could tarnish the country’s reputation globally and consequently impact various sectors. He recommended that freelancers utilize co-working spaces during outages to minimize disruptions.
In an effort to address some of these issues, the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has arranged temporary bandwidth solutions following disruptions caused by a fault in the Asia-Africa-Europe-1 (AAE-1) submarine cable, one of the vital connections Pakistan relies on for Internet service. The PTA also plans to join the 2Africa submarine cable system later this year to enhance connectivity and improve Internet speeds.
The ongoing issues with Internet speed and reliability in Pakistan have reached a critical stage, prompting IT experts and organizations to sound the alarm. Frequent Internet disruptions, particularly in relation to political events, affect millions of users and cause significant economic losses. The IT sector, which is pivotal for financial growth, is being constrained by slow speeds and ongoing policy challenges concerning VPNs and digital infrastructure. Industry leaders are advocating for swift action to modernize the telecommunication framework in order to maintain growth and enhance economic prospects.
In conclusion, the urgent need for improved Internet services in Pakistan is underscored by the significant economic losses incurred from Internet disruptions. The call for an expedited 5G rollout, far-reaching infrastructural improvements, and the adoption of friendlier Internet and VPN policies is imperative. Addressing these challenges is crucial not only for the IT sector’s continued growth but also for safeguarding Pakistan’s international reputation and economic stability.
Original Source: telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com
