No policy behind slow internet speed: PTA chairman

In a Senate meeting, the Minister of State for IT and PTA Chairman addressed concerns over slow internet speed

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeez Rehman has denied the existence of any policy causing slow internet speeds in the country, stating that if such a policy exists, it should be clarified by the government, Express News reported.

In a Senate committee meeting on Thursday, Minister of State for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima Khawaja and the PTA chairman responded to concerns regarding slow internet speed and ongoing issues with internet regulation.

Rehman assured the committee that the issue was not connected to VPN usage and confirmed that VPN licencing would begin on January 1, 2025, which he believes will address some of the concerns.

Senator Palwasha Khan, who chaired the meeting, questioned the Ministry of IT’s role, pointing out that it often shifts the responsibility for internet speed issues onto the Ministry of Interior and expressed frustration while stating, “I do not understand why we have a Ministry of IT if this is the case.”

Shaza Fatima attributed the slowdown to an increase in internet users, suggesting that the demand is outstripping the infrastructure’s capacity.

The committee also highlighted the economic impact of slow internet speed, particularly on freelancers and businesses that depend on stable internet access.

While expressing his concerns, the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) chairman shared that Pakistan’s IT exports amount to $3.2 billion, with approximately 3 million households reliant on the IT sector and its exports.

He noted that Pakistan ranks 27th globally in internet freedom, significantly ahead of its neighbours India and Bangladesh. He further reported that Pakistan incurs daily economic losses of around $1.3 billion due to internet service disruptions.

The committee also discussed the economic ramifications of VPN bans, estimating losses of $420 million, with a marked reduction in freelance work and productivity.

Shaza Fatima assured the committee that the government was committed to improving the situation but stressed the need for greater investment and clearer policies for long-term solutions.