Pakistan is set to hire a consultant to establish regulations for satellite-based Internet services amid a 40% drop in Internet speeds. The initiative follows discussions on licensing Starlink Services, as the government seeks to improve connectivity and bolster the economy. Substantial Internet outages have resulted in significant financial losses, highlighting the urgent need for an effective regulatory framework to support technological advancements and global alignment.
Pakistan has announced plans to engage a consultant to establish regulations for satellite-based Internet services, as confirmed by its Ministry of Information Technology. This development follows a meeting chaired by State Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja to discuss the licensing of Starlink Services, which is operated by the American billionaire Elon Musk. With the nation experiencing nearly a 40 percent decline in Internet speeds recently, attributed to a nationwide firewall initiative implemented by the government, the need for enhanced connectivity and updated regulatory frameworks has become paramount.
The Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) reported this substantial drop in Internet performance, coinciding with many Internet outages that have resulted in significant economic repercussions. In fact, Pakistan suffered a staggering loss of $1.62 billion in 2024 due to such disruptions, as detailed in a report from the global Internet monitoring organization, Top10VPN.com. The report highlighted 9,735 hours of Internet service interruptions affecting over 82.9 million users, with political events contributing to these issues.
During the recent meeting, the minister highlighted the importance of harmonizing national policies with international standards to fully harness the potential of satellite technology for economic advancement. Discussions emphasized the urgency to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, aiming to bolster connectivity and foster innovation within the technology sector.
To further improve Internet capabilities, Pakistan is also preparing to connect with the 2Africa submarine cable later this year. This submarine cable, one of the largest in the world at 45,000 kilometers, connects multiple locations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, promising significantly higher data transmission speeds of up to 180 Tbps.
Pakistan is in a critical phase of expanding its Internet infrastructure, particularly focusing on the integration of satellite-based Internet services like Starlink. The country is grappling with significant Internet slowdowns, largely attributed to governmental measures aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and content regulation. As it seeks to revive and enhance digital connectivity, the consultation process for regulatory frameworks is deemed essential. The previous year saw substantial economic losses due to Internet outages, underscoring the pressing need for regulatory and infrastructural improvements to support the population’s connectivity and the broader digital economy.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s move to hire a consultant for regulatory frameworks surrounding satellite Internet service marks a significant step towards improving the nation’s connectivity amidst ongoing challenges. As internet speeds have plummeted, the government recognizes the necessity of a robust regulatory environment to facilitate the introduction of services like Starlink. Enhancing connectivity through projects such as the 2Africa submarine cable alongside these regulatory efforts will be crucial for revitalizing Pakistan’s digital landscape and economic prospects.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
