Nationwide Internet Service Disruptions Threaten 2.5 Million Freelancers’ Jobs

Lahore: Recent severe disruptions in internet service across the country have led to significant challenges for users, with online businesses, freelancers, and home users all facing considerable difficulties. The slowdown in internet speeds has raised serious concerns, particularly about the potential unemployment of 2.5 million freelancers.

The Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) has reported that the sluggish internet has prompted many businesses to consider relocating their operations abroad. Experts have warned that the government’s unresponsive stance towards the internet slowdown is posing a serious threat to businesses.

ISPA Chairman’s Concerns: Shehzad Arshad, Chairman of the Internet Service Providers Association, expressed frustration, stating that business owners are questioning the reasons behind the slow internet speeds, but the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has failed to provide effective responses. Arshad added that businesses are contemplating moving their operations overseas due to the ongoing issues.

Impact on IT Exports: Former telecom member Pervez Iftikhar highlighted that internet speeds were already slow on 4G networks, and the current disruptions are akin to stepping back to the stone age. He emphasized that these issues would negatively impact IT exports as well.

Iftikhar pointed out that out of 138 million internet subscriptions in Pakistan, 135 million are mobile users, indicating a heavy reliance on mobile internet. He warned that if the situation persists, the country could face further technological regression.

Firewall Installation and Updates: According to telecom sources, the second trial installation of firewalls nationwide has been successfully completed. It is expected that internet services will be fully restored within the next 2 to 3 days.

Federal Minister of State for IT, Shiza Fatima, explained that firewalls are installed to protect against cyber security threats and are a common practice worldwide. She mentioned that the government is updating its systems to enhance security and has requested data from internet service providers regarding the slowdown.

Official Statements: During a Senate committee meeting, the Secretary of IT shifted the blame for the slow internet on mobile operators. This has sparked further debate and criticism among stakeholders.

Additional Information and Reactions

Business Impact: Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have reported severe operational disruptions due to the internet issues. Freelancers who rely on stable internet connections for their work are particularly affected, with job losses looming if the situation is not resolved promptly.

Social Media Reactions: Social media platforms are abuzz with discussions about the internet disruptions. Hashtags such as #InternetCrisis and #SaveFreelancers are trending as users express their frustration and demand swift action from the authorities.

Links for Further Reading and Updates:

• Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Official Statement
• Federal Minister Shiza Fatima’s Remarks
• ISPA’s Report on Internet Disruptions
• Social Media Reactions and Discussions

The ongoing internet service disruptions highlight critical issues in infrastructure and regulatory oversight. The resolution of these problems is crucial not only for the daily activities of millions of users but also for maintaining Pakistan’s position in the global IT and business sectors.