Pakistan’s internet situation has drawn attention once again due to conflicting reports surrounding the government’s “firewall” system ahead of the upcoming 5G spectrum auction. Recent media coverage suggested the shutdown of this system before the anticipated 5G auction next month, but the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology clarified that these reports were inaccurate, stating that the system remains operational. Officials explained that the colloquially termed “firewall” is officially known as a Web Management System (WMS).
The lack of clarity regarding the system has further muddled the internet landscape in Pakistan, where users and businesses already grapple with slow speeds and sudden service disruptions. The ongoing confusion has left many questioning whether these issues stem from the Web Management System or the limited spectrum available for mobile services. Pakistan currently holds approximately 270 MHz of assigned spectrum for mobile services, significantly lower than the Asia-Pacific regional average of over 700 MHz across low and mid-bands.
In terms of spectrum allocation per million people, Pakistan also falls behind its regional counterparts. Sri Lanka leads with 15.2 MHz per million people, followed by Vietnam with 7.4 MHz, India with 3.9 MHz, Bangladesh with 3.6 MHz, and Indonesia with 2.1 MHz, while Pakistan only has 1.1 MHz. The 5G spectrum auction, rescheduled for next month after initial delays due to pricing model concerns, is deemed crucial by industry experts for enhancing service quality and preparing for future technologies.
Pakistan has experienced unexpected internet disruptions in recent years, resulting in financial setbacks for app-based businesses and online service providers. While some outages were attributed to undersea cable damage, including the unusual claim of shark interference, others were linked to rumors of government “test trials” to control content. However, official explanations for many of these disruptions have been scarce, causing unease among tech entrepreneurs and digital investors. A reliable internet connection is considered vital for Pakistan’s aspirations to establish itself as a technology hub.
