ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has attributed internet slowdowns across Pakistan to issues with telecom infrastructure, rather than the increased use of virtual private networks (VPNs).
According to a PTA report, slow internet speeds are primarily caused by insufficient fiberisation, frequent power outages, and the state of the telecom infrastructure. The report noted that the country’s 18-year-old web management system is solely designed to manage gray traffic and has no role in slowing down internet speed.
The report highlighted that 42% of telecom sites in Pakistan operate without generators, leaving over 21,000 sites vulnerable to power outages that disrupt internet and telecom services during load-shedding. While 24,885 sites are equipped with generators, many lack adequate power backup. Additionally, theft of generators and other critical equipment has been reported at more than 739 sites in recent years. The PTA further revealed that 147 telecom sites have been damaged in terrorist attacks over the past five years, worsening the state of infrastructure and internet reliability.
While the government has attributed slow internet speeds to multiple factors, some experts argue that the “firewall” system may also play a role in contributing to the issue.
