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In a recent meeting with the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (R) Hafeezur Rehman, addressed the ongoing internet disruptions across Pakistan. He clarified that the issues were primarily due to a technical fault in the submarine cable that connects Pakistan to the global internet infrastructure. The chairman reassured the committee that the disruptions would be resolved by August 22, 2024.
Submarine Cable Fault and Its Impact
The PTA chairman explained that the recent slowdown in internet services was linked to a fault in the submarine cable, which is a critical component of Pakistan’s internet infrastructure. He noted that while the issue was significant, it was not a global problem but rather confined to Pakistan’s infrastructure. The fault is expected to be fully resolved by August 27, with the arrival of seven new submarine cables, which should enhance connectivity and prevent future disruptions.
VPN Usage and National Firewall Concerns
In response to questions about the increased use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) during the disruption, the chairman confirmed that VPN usage had spiked as users sought alternatives to maintain connectivity. However, he denied that the submarine cable issue was affecting other countries, reaffirming that it was an isolated problem within Pakistan.
The committee also raised concerns about the national firewall being installed as part of an aggressive web management strategy aimed at controlling social media content. Some members, including Omar Ayub, speculated that the firewall might be contributing to the internet slowdown. However, PTA officials insisted that the firewall had not been fully deployed and could not be responsible for the current issues.
Debate on Digital Freedom and National Security
The PTA Chairman emphasized that the national firewall’s installation is in line with directives from the Federal Cabinet to control social media and enhance national security. Omar Ayub expressed concerns about the potential impact of such a system on digital freedom in the country, calling for transparency and accountability to Parliament in implementing these measures.
During the meeting, a debate ensued about the implications of the firewall on citizens’ digital rights. Ayub questioned the extent of government agencies’ capabilities to intercept private communications, while other committee members highlighted the need for clarity and public trust in these initiatives.
Economic Impact and Quality of Service
The committee also discussed the broader economic impact of the recent internet slowdowns, noting that the telecom sector had lost over $300 million during this period. IT companies and freelancers were particularly hard hit, with ongoing connectivity issues affecting productivity and the country’s reputation in the global market.
Member IT expressed frustration over the damage to Pakistan’s reputation due to these disruptions, particularly in areas like Tharparkar, where 75% of the network remains non-operational. The committee was critical of PTA’s response to these issues, with members questioning whether citizens in these regions were receiving equal treatment.
Calls for Improvement
In response to the committee’s concerns, the PTA Chairman outlined the existing Quality of Service Mechanism, which includes regular surveys and penalties for telecom companies that fail to meet standards. He also mentioned that each mobile operator is required to install 455 new towers annually to improve coverage, particularly in underserved areas.
The committee called for a detailed report on the damage caused by these internet issues and urged the PTA to enhance its quality of service, ensuring that all regions of Pakistan have reliable internet access.
Conclusion
The recent meeting highlighted the challenges faced by Pakistan’s telecommunication sector, particularly the need for improved infrastructure and transparency in implementing national security measures like the firewall. With assurances from the PTA Chairman that the internet disruptions will be resolved soon, there is cautious optimism that connectivity will improve, benefiting the economy and citizens alike.
