PTA calls for improved bandwidth to address VPN usage and network disruptions

PTA highlights complications originating from restrictions on specific platforms such as X
A representational image. — Depositphotos
A representational image. — Depositphotos

In a report submitted to the Ministry of Information Technology, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has called for a significant increase in national bandwidth capacity to address the challenges posed by rising virtual private network (VPN) usage and severe network disruptions.

The report also underscored the complications stemming from restrictions on certain platforms, including the temporary blockade of X (formerly Twitter), which have further strained the network and hindered internet access for users.

The PTA emphasised the urgent need for upgraded infrastructure to enhance internet speeds. On Thursday, internet services across the country slowed significantly due to delays in rerouting traffic following a fault in the Asia-Africa-Europe-1 (AAE-1) submarine cable near Qatar. This fault resulted in a bandwidth reduction of nearly one terabit per second, with rerouting efforts delayed for 36 hours, causing widespread connectivity issues.

During a Senate committee session, the PTA revealed that internet shutdowns are implemented based on government or court directives. Senator Kamran Murtaza questioned the legal basis for such actions, asking: “Which law permits this? How can services be disrupted without a clear legal basis?”

The PTA chairman defended the measures, responding: “If this is illegal, why has the government been directing us to do so for nine years?”

This exchange has raised concerns about the legal validity of internet restrictions, prompting the Senate committee to seek clarification on the regulations outlined in the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the directives permitting internet throttling. The committee has called for an organised framework to prevent similar disruptions in the future.