Amir Shehzad
Since the beginning of last year, internet disruptions and social media suspensions have been a growing concern in Pakistan. Many estimates suggest that these unannounced shutdowns have caused the Information Technology (IT) sector a loss of over one billion dollars. Both domestic and commercial users have been left searching for alternative solutions to ensure uninterrupted internet services, particularly after the suspension of popular social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
The issue of slow internet in Pakistan has become increasingly critical. People are exploring various ways to solve the problem, with some resorting to VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) while others are looking for other workarounds to ensure better internet speed. However, the question arises: if citizens are left to resolve this issue on their own, what role does the government play? The widespread slowdown in internet speed has led to significant consequences, including a surge in unemployment. As modern technology becomes more integrated into everyday life, people are relying more heavily on the internet for work, shopping, and other services. This has made slow internet a serious headache for the public.
In response to this mounting issue, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has taken decisive action. The provincial government, particularly the Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of KP on Science and Technology, Dr. Shaukat Ayaz, is leading the charge to investigate the root causes of slow internet speeds in the region. According to Dr. Ayaz, the government has approached the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to inquire about the reasons behind the internet speed problems in the province. However, the cause remains unclear, and this lack of transparency has added to the frustration.
Dr. Ayaz expressed concern over the deteriorating situation, stating that the entire province is grappling with slow internet speeds. The issue is affecting the IT sector severely, with 4G and even Wi-Fi speeds being sluggish, disrupting businesses and daily operations. He highlighted that the slow internet is particularly harmful to the province’s burgeoning online business sector, which includes a significant number of women and young entrepreneurs. These individuals are crucial contributors to the national economy, and their businesses rely on a stable and fast internet connection.
The matter escalated further when the KP government wrote to PTA, urging them to look into the issue. PTA officials visited Peshawar, the provincial capital, to assess the situation firsthand. They conducted an on-ground review of the internet infrastructure and suggested the installation of some additional equipment to improve the situation. However, when asked why the internet speeds were reduced in KP, PTA officials did not offer a satisfactory explanation.
Dr. Ayaz also stated that if the issue is not resolved soon, the KP government, with the Chief Minister’s approval, may write to Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, to request the activation of Starlink’s satellite internet service in the province. This drastic step comes after repeated failures to find solutions locally, including PTA’s lack of response and the general lack of improvements in the speed of internet services.
The situation has become so dire that KP residents are being forced to rely on VPNs to access the internet. However, using VPNs comes with its own set of problems, including even slower internet speeds, which further affects the efficiency of businesses and hampers the flow of IT revenue within Pakistan. The move to use VPNs has led to an unfortunate consequence: many IT professionals and freelancers have been compelled to leave Pakistan and migrate to countries like Dubai, where internet infrastructure is more reliable. This exodus has resulted in a significant loss for the local economy.
It is not just the provincial authorities who have taken notice of the growing concern over internet issues. Last month, the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom convened a meeting in which the Minister of State for IT, Shaza Fatima, revealed that efforts were underway to bring Starlink to Pakistan. The government has shown a willingness to adopt innovative solutions, but the question remains: Will Starlink be the long-term answer to Pakistan’s internet woes?
Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has emerged as a potential game-changer for countries with unstable or inadequate internet infrastructure. The satellite internet service works by deploying a large network of low Earth orbit satellites that provide internet access. The service is designed to reach remote or underserved areas where traditional internet infrastructure is difficult to establish. Starlink has already garnered attention in various countries, including the UK and parts of Africa, where its coverage is rapidly expanding.
Dr. Ayaz has expressed optimism that if the internet issue is not resolved locally, Starlink’s satellite-based solution could be the way forward for the province. The KP government is keen to expedite the process, and if all goes according to plan, they could soon establish direct communication with Elon Musk to push for the activation of Starlink in Pakistan.
The decision to bring Starlink to Pakistan has sparked a mix of excitement and skepticism. On the one hand, the satellite service promises high-speed internet, which would benefit not only residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but also millions of people in other provinces who struggle with slow or unreliable internet connections. On the other hand, questions persist about the feasibility of introducing such a service in Pakistan. How quickly will Starlink become operational? Will it be affordable for the average Pakistani consumer?
Starlink’s service operates through a network of satellites that orbit the Earth at a lower altitude, which helps reduce latency and increase speeds compared to traditional satellite internet services. The company’s goal is to provide high-speed internet to remote areas, which could be a major boon for Pakistan, especially in rural regions where internet access is limited or non-existent.
While the move to bring Starlink to Pakistan is still in its early stages, many are hopeful that this will solve the internet crisis in the country. The need for reliable, high-speed internet is more urgent than ever, particularly for Pakistan’s youth who are engaged in online businesses, freelancing, and digital entrepreneurship. As Dr. Ayaz pointed out, the livelihood of thousands of young people and women in KP and across Pakistan is dependent on the availability of fast and stable internet. If this issue is not addressed soon, these individuals may find their online businesses shutting down, which could have a lasting impact on the economy.
In conclusion, the slow internet problem in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of Pakistan has reached a critical point. The provincial government’s efforts to resolve the issue are commendable, but it remains to be seen whether local solutions will work. The introduction of Starlink could be a potential game-changer, offering a viable alternative for fast and reliable internet. However, questions regarding its cost, accessibility, and implementation in Pakistan need to be answered before it can be considered a long-term solution. For now, the residents of KP and other parts of Pakistan continue to wait and hope for a resolution to the slow internet crisis that has affected their daily lives and livelihoods.
Source: The COW News
