Pakistani IT associations urge the government to address slow Internet speeds and frequent outages that have resulted in $1.62 billion in economic losses. There is a pressing demand for the rollout of 5G and other infrastructure improvements to support the IT sector, which relies heavily on stable Internet connectivity. Frequent disruptions have threatened industry growth and foreign remittances, highlighting the necessity for immediate government intervention.
Pakistani information technology associations and professionals have recently emphasized the urgent need for the government to tackle the pressing issue of slow Internet speeds. They have called for the rapid deployment of the 5G spectrum and other infrastructural improvements after a report indicated that Pakistan experienced the highest economic losses globally due to Internet disruptions last year. The total estimated losses reached $1.62 billion due to Internet outages and restrictions, significantly outpacing losses in regions afflicted by conflict, such as Sudan and Myanmar.
The report, published by Top10VPN.com, highlighted that Pakistan faced 9,735 hours of Internet disruptions impacting approximately 82.9 million users, primarily driven by circumstances surrounding elections and protests. The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), the main advocate for the local IT sector, warned that slow Internet connectivity and VPN restrictions could result in financial setbacks, possibly increasing operational expenses by $150 million annually.
Chairman Sajjad Mustafa Syed remarked, “Pakistan suffers a loss of more than one million dollars per hour on account of Internet shutdown in the country.” He urged the government to prioritize the rapid rollout of 5G, schedule a spectrum auction anticipated in March 2024, and complete the necessary fiberization of cell towers while enhancing international connectivity via new undersea cables.
The IT industry in Pakistan has shown promising growth, with exports estimated at $3.2 billion in the past fiscal year. However, persistent Internet shutdowns pose a critical threat to these advancements, jeopardizing the government’s ambitious goal of reaching $15 billion in exports during the current fiscal year. He noted, “Achieving this target depends on market access, infrastructure stability, a supportive taxation policy, and a skilled workforce.”
Internet speeds in Pakistan have reportedly declined by as much as 40% in recent months, as indicated by the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP). This decline has resulted from the federal government’s attempts to implement a nationwide firewall aimed at blocking harmful content, safeguarding government networks from cyber threats, and identifying IP addresses related to what authorities characterize as “anti-state propaganda”. Authorities have also proposed a ban on VPN services, further complicating connectivity issues.
Tufail Ahmed Khan, president of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), acknowledged that the disruptions severely affected approximately 2.37 million freelancers in Pakistan. “Despite challenges such as Internet shutdowns and connectivity issues, Pakistan’s IT exports showed an upward trend last year,” he stated, highlighting that further growth could have been achieved without these setbacks. Khan urged the government to prioritize resolving connectivity issues to bolster the freelancing sector, which could enhance foreign remittances and alleviate governmental employment pressures.
Furthermore, Zohaib Khan, a former chairman of P@SHA, pointed out that freelancers have borne the brunt of degraded connectivity yet warned that ongoing Internet disruptions tarnish Pakistan’s international image, thereby adversely influencing the industry. He advised freelancers to utilize co-working spaces to mitigate the impacts of such outages.
Recent developments indicate that the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) is making efforts to enhance Internet service reliability, including arranging temporary bandwidth to mitigate disruptions caused by faults in the Asia-Africa-Europe-1 (AAE-1) submarine cable and planning to connect with the 2Africa submarine cable system, expected to enhance overall Internet speeds significantly.
The background of this article centers on the urgent calls from Pakistani IT bodies and experts to the government regarding the critical issue of slow Internet speeds and frequent disruptions. Reports indicate that these disruptions have led to considerable economic losses, prompting action from industry stakeholders seeking government intervention. The impact of these disruptions not only affects individual users but also threatens the growth and sustainability of Pakistan’s expanding IT sector. The necessity for upgraded infrastructure, particularly with the impending rollout of 5G and enhanced connectivity through undersea cables, underlines the significance of addressing such issues to foster a robust digital ecosystem that supports the country’s economic ambitions.
In conclusion, the prevailing challenges of slow Internet speeds and recurrent outages in Pakistan pose significant threats to the burgeoning IT sector and the broader economy. With the alarming economic losses reported, it is imperative for the government to take swift action in rolling out the 5G spectrum while ensuring infrastructural stability and improved connectivity. The insights from industry leaders underscore the need for effective policies that prioritize Internet accessibility and support the growing freelancing community, ultimately enabling Pakistan to capitalize on its IT export potential.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
