Internet infrastructure under siege amid prolonged disruptions: WISPAP

KARACHI: Pakistan’s internet infrastructure is buckling under severe strain as the nation faces a growing digital crisis characterized by frequent connectivity disruptions and inadequate infrastructure management, says Chairperson of the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) Shahzad Arshad.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the chairperson of WISPAP raised an urgent alarm about the dire state of the nation’s internet services. He said: “The recurring internet disruptions have spotlighted our critical vulnerabilities. It’s not just about broken cables; it’s about a fragmented approach that leaves the nation vulnerable to digital paralysis. We must overhaul our infrastructure strategy, not just patch it with short-term fixes.”

Arshad underscored the necessity of i­mplementing multi-gigabit Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) across telecom regions. “Such measures are not just advisable; they are imperative. Developed countries have strengthened their digital backbones with similar frameworks to ensure resilience against localized outages. Pakistan must follow suit to protect its digital economy,” he added.

Compounding the issue are delays in activating the PEACE cable and stagnation on the China-Pakistan fibre link projects, both crucial for improving connectivity, he pointed out. The absence of clear project timelines and the withholding of commencement updates have intensified public and business uncertainty.

Arshad further noted that government representatives have dampened hopes by suggesting that the current internet issues may persist longer than expected.

In its statement released on Wednesday, the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) said that internet disruptions have been caused by fault in two (SMW4 and AAE-1) of the seven international submarine cables connecting Pakistan internationally.

The PTA added that while the fault in the AAE-1 cable has been fixed – which may lead to improved internet experience – the SMW4 cable will be fixed by early October.

Over the last few weeks, as pointed out by WISPAP, the country’s digital lifeline, crucial for everyday communication and economic activities, has become increasingly unreliable, with issues ranging from delayed WhatsApp messages to frustrating latency in VPN and remote desktop connections.

This has led to widespread demands from business leaders, educators and digital professionals for a robust, long-term solution to prevent future disruptions. The stakes are high, impacting freelancers, education institutions and traders who rely heavily on stable digital connections. According to a statement released by P@SHA on August 15, internet disruptions could cause a loss of $300 million to the economy.

Per WISPAP, the crisis has sparked a critical discussion about the sustainability and resilience of Pakistan’s internet infrastructure. As the global economy becomes increasingly digital, the country’s current challenges highlight the urgent need for forward-thinking policies and resilient technological frameworks. Without prompt and effective action, the country faces the risk of deeper economic repercussions and a widening digital divide.

WISPAP added: “the pressing question remains: will the government and telecom authorities rise to the challenge, or will Pakistan’s internet continue to be ensnared in inefficiency and delay? The future of the nation’s digital infrastructure depends on strategic planning, transparency, and a concerted effort to strengthen its digital backbone.”