Internet slowdown in Pakistan drives international companies to relocate operations

Published at: January 9, 2025 11:33 AM

Updated at: January 10, 2025 7:42 AM

International companies are beginning to move their operations due to recent disruptions in internet services in Pakistan.

According to official reports, WhatsApp has shifted its session server routing to other countries in response to the recent internet interruptions. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed that this relocation of WhatsApp’s Content Delivery Network (CDN) outside the country has led to service disruptions for many users, making it difficult for them to connect and communicate.

The PTA also stated that internet services across both fixed-line and mobile networks have shown some improvement. Over the past month, fixed-line internet services have reportedly moved up by two tiers. However, Pakistan is still ranked 139th globally in fixed-line internet speed. Meanwhile, mobile network services have improved by three tiers, and Pakistan now ranks 97th worldwide in mobile internet speed. Despite these improvements, slow internet remains a significant challenge for businesses and individuals.

Additionally, the PTA has confirmed that discussions between the government and Starlink are in progress regarding the approval of a license for satellite services. The talks are still in their early stages, as Starlink has submitted its request. The PTA is currently reviewing the technical requirements for issuing the license, while the National Space Agency is evaluating the proposal according to the national space policy. The PTA highlighted that several factors, including bandwidth, uplinking, and gateway considerations, need to be assessed before a license can be granted. This process applies to all foreign satellite service providers, and regulatory approval will only be given once clearance is received from the space agency.