IT minister blames PTI govt for slow internet

Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja stated on Friday that VPNs are not banned in Pakistan and that social media platforms, including WhatsApp, are working. She also blamed the previous government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for slow internet speeds for failing to invest in the IT sector.

During a session of the National Assembly, Shazia Marri raised concerns about slow internet, calling it a major issue that is forcing tech and IT-related businesses to shut down or relocate outside of Pakistan. In response, Khawaja stated that efforts are underway to improve internet quality. She explained that the lack of investment by PTI government had prevented necessary upgrades to IT infrastructure. However, she highlighted that Pakistan is now connected to China via fibre optic cables, which is a step toward improvement.

Khawaja also noted that IT and computer technology exports had increased by 28 per cent in the first six months of the current fiscal year, citing the progress in the sector.

Earlier this week, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed that WhatsApp moved its server operations outside the country amid recent internet outages. The relocation affected user service yet again.

PTA, however, claimed that the fixed-line internet services and mobile networks have improved. In the last month, fixed-line internet services went up by two levels, and now Pakistan ranks 139th in fixed-line internet speed, whereas the mobile network improved by three levels, moving the ranking to 97th globally.

Is Starlink coming to Pakistan?

Another internet company has registered in Pakistan, aiming to provide high-speed satellite internet while Elon Musk's Starlink also waits for government approvals.  

Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology Limited (SSST), a Chinese space tech company, has officially set up operations in Pakistan with plans to launch a low-orbit satellite network called G60 Starlink to offer high-speed internet and satellite communication services, aiming to compete with Elon Musk's Starlink.

Last year, SSST launched 108 satellites amidst plans to have 648 in orbit by the end of 2025, with a long-term goal of 15,000 satellites by 2030. Their network is expected to provide global coverage by 2027, with more than 1,000 satellites in place.

Minister of State for IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, confirmed in the National Assembly that SSST is now registered in Pakistan. 

According to regulations, only locally registered companies can apply for licenses from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Both SSST and Starlink have submitted their applications for the licenses.