(Web Desk) The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology has expressed its concern over the slowness of the Internet in the country. The Taxation authority (PTA) said that there is no policy to slow down the internet.
the meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom was held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Senator Palusha Khan. In the meeting,Chairman Pasha Sajjad Mustafa expressed serious concerns about the VPN policy. Whatever action it takes, it puts the obligation on the Ministry of Interior, I don’t understand why we have an IT ministry?
Chairman PTA said that VPN licensing will be started from January 1, the problem will be solved by VPN licensing, but the internet is not slow due to VPN. Committee members expressed concern over internet slowness. Senator Afnanullah Khan said that internet is generally slow, internet might potentially be slow due to firewall.
Secretary IT told the committee that there are complaints of internet slowness from the IT industry, thay stop internet service in case of national security, however Chairman PTA said that there is no policy to slow down the internet.
Senator Kamran questioned whether this national security is a problem of Pakistan only, this problem does not happen to India. Senator Nosha Rehman said that in 2018 we registered VHN but there was no problem on the internet, we also whitelisted and took measures to stop gray traffic but the internet was not affected.
PTI Senator Humayun Mohmand Khan said that the Internet was blocked becuase of PTI terrorists. Chairman Pasha said that this week the speed of the Internet has improved. runs and then shuts down suddenly, in this situation commercial operation cannot occur.
Minister of State for IT Telecom Shaza Fatima told the Standing Committee in a briefing that amendments to the PICA laws are under consideration, fake news has to be regulated by us, it is indeed our priority, there are also technical reasons for slow internet. Usage has increased We have not invested in IT in the last 3 years,5G spectrum will be auctioned in April.
Senator Rafnanullah told the Interior Ministry officials that you cannot write to PTA under the law, Interior Ministry officials said that under PICA, VPN can be shut down.
Center Afnanullah said that two years ago we had a discussion regarding Starlink, when will Starlink be started? Minister of State for IT Shaza fatima said that Starlink will start soon.
An captivating situation arose when the internet signal disappeared during the information technology session of the Senate, the members showed their mobile signals to the Minister of state Shaza Fatima.
Shaza Fatima said that the service will improve after some time,later the internet service was restored after being suspended for 4 to 5 minutes.
How can teh government improve internet speed and accessibility in rural areas of Pakistan?
Interview with IT Expert on Pakistan’s Internet Issues and Future Prospects
Editor (Time.news): thank you for joining us today. The recent Senate Standing Committee on Data Technology meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding internet slowness in Pakistan. What do you think are the primary reasons for this issue?
Expert: Thank you for having me. Ther are multiple factors contributing to the slowness of the internet in Pakistan. Firstly, as pointed out by committee members, the national security measures sometimes interrupt internet services. However, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) asserts there isn’t a policy to slow it down, which raises questions about operational inconsistencies. Additionally, there are technical reasons cited, such as increased usage and insufficient investment in IT infrastructure over the past years.
Editor: The PTA mentioned that VPN licensing is set to start on January 1. Could this be a solution to the internet speed crisis?
Expert: VPN licensing might help regulate VPN usage and potentially address some compliance issues.Still,the root causes of internet slowness extend beyond just VPNs. As noted in the meeting, firewalls and other regulatory measures also contribute to slower speeds. Without complete improvements to infrastructure and increased investment, any short-term fix may not have a lasting impact.
Editor: Senator Kamran raised a point about why Pakistan’s internet issues are not mirrored in countries like India. What insights can you share about this comparison?
Expert: This is an importent distinction. India’s telecommunications industry has seen significant investments and regulatory support, resulting in a more robust infrastructure. Interestingly, Pakistan’s operational challenges stem from a lack of investment and conflicting governance between the Ministry of IT and the Ministry of Interior. Collaboration is key to improving this situation, much like how India has approached its growth strategy.
Editor: You mentioned investment as a critical factor. What should be done to attract more investment in Pakistan’s IT sector?
Expert: The government needs to create a more favorable regulatory environment for local and international investors. This involves streamlined policies regarding internet services and a commitment to upgrading infrastructure. Additionally, initiatives like the upcoming 5G spectrum auction in April could enhance the broadband landscape, provided that efficient rollouts follow.
Editor: During the Senate session, the internet signal disappeared, eliciting a notable reaction. What does this incident reflect regarding public sentiment on internet reliability?
Expert: This incident is emblematic of the frustration many users face with inconsistent service. It’s a stark reminder that the digital infrastructure is critical for both everyday use and commercial operations. Such disruptions erode trust and hinder economic activities, indicating a pressing need for immediate reforms in the telecommunications landscape.
Editor: There was discussion around Starlink during the meeting.What role do you see satellite internet playing in pakistan’s connectivity issues?
expert: Satellite internet, like starlink, could provide vital coverage in under-served areas were terrestrial infrastructure is lacking. It has the potential to fill gaps in connectivity especially in rural regions. However, it’s essential for the government to support its integration while ensuring the regulatory framework for satellite communications aligns with national interests.
Editor: for our readers who rely on the internet for work or study, what practical advice can you give to mitigate current slowness issues?
Expert: Users can adopt a few strategies to enhance their experiences.Switching to wired connections, using data compression tools, and scheduling heavy downloads during off-peak hours can definitely help manage slow speeds. Moreover, it’s worthwhile to advocate for better service with local providers and stay updated on government initiatives aimed at advancement.
Editor: Thank you for your insights. It seems while challenges persist, there are potential solutions on the horizon that could reshape Pakistan’s digital landscape.
Expert: Absolutely. With collective efforts from both the government and stakeholders in the IT industry, we can look forward to a more efficient and reliable internet service in Pakistan. Thank you for having me.