Spectrum shortage, poor infrastructure causing internet slowdown

The country’s IT minister said on Tuesday that the current internet issues are “complicated,” attaching internet slowdown to infrastructure restraints and insufficient investment.

In recent months, users have experienced slow internet speeds and frequent disconnections. The government has cited several factors for these issues, including updates to a web management system and problems with the undersea cable connecting the country globally.

Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja told reporters that the disruptions are a “complex matter,” with many people attributing them to the firewall or web management system due to “limited information.”

She also noted that the available internet spectrum is insufficient to meet the demand, leading to frequent slowdowns. However, she expressed hope that the launch of 5G technology will solve these issues.

Earlier this month, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority began auctioning 5G spectrum bands and received five proposals from international consultants to oversee the auction.

“There is a demand and supply gap in the country,” IT minister said. She acknowledging that there are also some “structural and political” factors contributing to the disruptions.

She explained that Pakistan’s internet infrastructure is currently operating on just 274 MHz, with legal challenges delaying expansion.

Internet service providers have faced financial difficulties recently due to high energy costs, as operating telecom towers on generators during power outages has been unfeasible. The upgrade of infrastructure has also been affected by restrictions on Letters of Credit, which are needed for imports.

The IT ministry had proposed providing free spectrum to telecom companies, but the finance ministry preferred to generate revenue through auctions.

While talking about the firewall installation and its impact on user rights, the minister emphasized that it was necessary due to “serious cybersecurity threats.”

She added that freedom of speech remains unaffected, with all types of political content being freely posted in Pakistan.