The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has revealed that the growing use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in Pakistan is putting additional pressure on the country’s internet infrastructure and affecting foreign exchange reserves.
Key Insights from PTA’s Report 📊
According to media reports, VPN usage surged during periods of internet disruptions, leading to slower internet speeds. PTA’s briefing documents highlight that:
- VPN reliance bypasses local Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), which handle around 70% of internet services in Pakistan.
- This bypass increases bandwidth usage, adding stress to the infrastructure.
- Rerouting traffic through international servers incurs a cost of approximately $1 per megabyte, resulting in significant foreign exchange losses.
Bandwidth Consumption Trends 💻
- August: 634 Gbps
- September: 597 Gbps
- October: 815 Gbps
- November: 378 Gbps
- December: 437 Gbps (following internet improvements)
PTA’s Stance on VPN Services 🛡️
The PTA Chairman clarified that VPN services will not be shut down. Instead, a registration process for VPN service providers began on December 19, with two providers already applying for licenses.
During a meeting led by Senator Plosha Khan, the PTA Chairman discussed ongoing internet connectivity issues and disruptions. He also shared:
- Pakistan has seven submarine cables currently in operation.
- Four to five new submarine cables are expected soon, which could significantly boost internet speeds.
- Despite these efforts, Pakistan ranks 97th globally in internet speed.
Legal and Regional Connectivity Concerns 🔜
The PTA Chairman noted that internet shutdowns are carried out based on directives from the Ministry of Interior or court orders. The committee also discussed:
- The legal aspects surrounding internet shutdowns.
- The need to improve internet speed in underdeveloped regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
VPN Registration & Industry Collaboration 📚
- PTCL has already applied for VPN registration, and more applications are anticipated.
- PTA is actively engaging with the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) to address concerns related to the VPN registration process.
Commitment to Better Internet 🌐
The PTA remains dedicated to enhancing Pakistan’s internet infrastructure while ensuring compliance with international standards and legal frameworks. The goal is to balance technological advancement with economic stability.
