The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has now claimed that the internet slowdown in the country is not due to its web management system but stems from issues with telecom infrastructure, VPN usage, and inadequate power backup at telecom sites.
The PTA dismissed claims linking the web management system, operational for 18 years to control grey traffic, to internet speed issues. "This system has never indicated any role in slowing down the internet," a PTA spokesperson said, adding that the system has been operating without complaints since its inception.
The PTA highlighted fiberisation, spectrum shortages, and power issues as major contributors to the internet slowdown. According to a report:
- 42% of telecom sites lack generators, which were mostly stolen, leading to service disruptions during load shedding.
- 147 sites were targeted by terrorists, and 739 by thieves over the past five years, with stolen generators and equipment impacting operations.
- More than 21,000 telecom sites are without generators, while 24,885 sites are equipped with backup power.
These vulnerabilities in telecom infrastructure are seen as significant hurdles to providing reliable internet services.
Efforts are underway by Transworld Associates to enhance internet speed by deploying the "Africa 2" cable project. This 45,000-kilometer undersea cable, with a capacity of 18 terabytes per second, will connect Karachi to 33 countries across Africa and the Middle East by 2025. Once completed, this cable is expected to boost bandwidth and significantly improve internet speeds in Pakistan by the end of this year.
The PTA and IT minister are actively engaging with stakeholders, including telecom operators and social media platforms, to address these challenges and propose solutions.
