PTA links slow internet to telecom infrastructure, power outages

PTA claims that 42%, over 21,000, of telecom sites in Pakistan rely on power generators
An undated image representing slow internet. —iStock
An undated image representing slow internet. —iStock

In a groundbreaking move to shove away accountability, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has now linked sluggish internet, which Pakistan has been grappling with, to telecom infrastructure.

Previously, the telecom regulatory authority attributed internet disruptions across Pakistan to excessive use of virtual private networks (VPNs).

Having reviewed official documents issued by PTA, ProPakistani reported that slow internet speeds were stemming from poor telecom infrastructure, power outages, inadequate fiberisation, and the web management system (WMS).

The WMS has been in place for 18 years whose primary purpose is to monitor grey traffic, and has nothing to downgrade internet speeds in the country, PTA stated.

The authority claimed that 42%, over 21,000, of telecom sites in the country rely on power generators, thus being more likely to be affected by intermittent, unscheduled power outages.

Given that, in addition to poor infrastructure, this load-shedding is also a factor at play causing poor internet connections. Although 24,885 sites are backed by generator-driven power, the remaining sites run out of power needed to remain functional.

The PTA report also takes into account attacks carried out by thieves, as it underscored that over 739 telecom sites have been targeted during recent years, leading to the loss of generators and other equipment vital for telecom facilities.