The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) now attributes internet slowdowns across Pakistan to issues in telecom infrastructure, rather than the previously blamed web management system (WMS), which has been operational for 18 years. Official PTA documents obtained by ProPakistani reveal that deficiencies in telecom infrastructure, power outages, and inadequate fiberization are the main causes of slow internet speeds. PTA claims that WMS, which controls grey traffic, has no impact on internet speed.
The PTA highlighted that 42 percent of telecom sites in Pakistan operate without generators, leaving over 21,000 sites vulnerable to power outages. This has disrupted internet and telecom services, especially during load-shedding. While generators are installed at 24,885 sites, many still lack adequate power backup.
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Additionally, security concerns were raised, as over 739 telecom sites have been targeted by thieves in recent years, resulting in the theft of generators and other crucial equipment. Over the past five years, 147 sites were attacked by terrorists, which has further damaged telecom infrastructure and affected internet services.
On the international connectivity front, PTA noted that faults in submarine cables had been addressed in the past. The authority also mentioned the Transworld project, which is laying a 45,000-kilometer cable connecting Pakistan to 33 African and Middle Eastern countries. The 18-terabyte-per-second cable is expected to enhance bandwidth and improve internet speeds.
The Ministry of IT and PTA are working with stakeholders, including telecom operators and social media platforms, to implement solutions and enhance nationwide internet services.
