PTA Attributes Internet Slowdowns to Telecom Infrastructure Issues
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has identified telecom infrastructure deficiencies, power outages, and limited fiberization as the primary reasons for internet slowdowns across the country, shifting the blame away from Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and the Web Management System (WMS).
According to official PTA documents, the WMS, in operation for 18 years and designed to combat grey traffic, does not contribute to reduced internet speeds. Instead, the lack of adequate infrastructure is a major factor.
Key Issues Highlighted by the PTA:
- Power Outages:
Nearly 42% of telecom sites nationwide operate without backup generators, leaving over 21,000 sites vulnerable during load-shedding. While generators are installed at 24,885 sites, many still lack sufficient power reserves. - Security Concerns:
Theft and vandalism have plagued over 739 telecom sites in recent years, with terrorists targeting 147 sites in the last five years. These incidents have disrupted telecom operations and internet services. - International Connectivity:
While faults in submarine cables have been addressed, the PTA highlighted a promising development—Transworld’s upcoming 45,000 km submarine cable. The cable, with an 18 terabyte-per-second capacity, will connect Pakistan to 33 African and Middle Eastern countries, boosting bandwidth and improving internet performance.
The Ministry of IT and PTA are collaborating with telecom operators and social media platforms to implement solutions and enhance internet services across Pakistan.
