Internet Services to Remain Slow Until Early October
Internet speeds across Pakistan are expected to remain sluggish until early October, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The slowdown is attributed to faults in submarine cables that are still under repair.
Current Impact on Internet Speeds
Users have reported significant declines in internet speeds over the past few weeks. Common issues include difficulties in sending or downloading media and voice notes via WhatsApp on mobile data and slow browsing speeds on broadband.
Allegations and Government Responses
The business community and internet service providers (ISPs) have claimed that the government’s internet traffic monitoring, including the implementation of a so-called “firewall,” has contributed to the slowdown. This has led to economic losses. However, Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja has denied these claims, stating that the government is upgrading its web management system to address cybersecurity threats but is not throttling the internet.
PTA’s Explanation and Update
The PTA has attributed the internet slowdown to faults in two submarine cables—SMW-4 and AAE-1. While the AAE-1 cable has been repaired, the PTA expects the SMW-4 cable to be fixed by early October. PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman had previously estimated the repair by August 27, a claim that faced scrutiny from lawmakers.
Expert Opinions
Doug Madory, an internet expert, has confirmed that the fault in the submarine cables is affecting Pakistan’s internet capacity. However, he noted that the issue began in June, and if the slowdown only started recently, other factors might also be involved.
Additional Factors and PTA’s Reasons
The PTA has outlined four reasons for the slowdown: a damaged submarine cable, a misconfigured ISP system, potential cyber-attacks on August 15, and increased VPN use. The rise in VPN usage is attributed to the ongoing ban on the social media platform X.
Economic Impact
The Telecom Operators Association has warned that the internet slowdown could cost Pakistan nearly Rs12 billion annually. Additionally, reduced revenue in the telecom sector could exceed Rs3 billion per year. The Pakistan Business Council (PBC) has also raised concerns about multinational companies potentially relocating their back offices from Pakistan. The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) estimates that the disruptions could result in up to $300 million in economic losses.
Call for Transparency
Amnesty International has urged Pakistani authorities to provide more transparency regarding the internet slowdown and the use of surveillance technologies.
