In a recent clarification, the Chairman of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (retd) Hafeez ur Rehman, assured the public that sharks cannot damage submarine cables. This statement was made during a Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication meeting, which was chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan. The meeting focused on several issues regarding internet connectivity and application performance in Pakistan.
A major concern raised during the meeting was about internet disruptions in Pakistan, with particular attention given to the slow performance of some online applications. While the download speed of the internet seemed fine, users had reported issues with applications not functioning properly. Some users even complained that voice notes were not being sent.
In response to these concerns, Major General Hafeez ur Rehman addressed the issue, giving an in-depth explanation. He revealed that Pakistan currently relies on seven submarine cables for internet connectivity. These underwater cables are crucial for ensuring fast and reliable communication with the rest of the world. The PTA Chairman also informed the committee that more cables are set to be added soon. Specifically, four to five additional submarine cables are expected to be installed, with two of them scheduled to be completed within the year. This is a significant step towards improving internet services and ensuring the smooth functioning of digital platforms in Pakistan.
One of the key points raised during the meeting was the misconception that sharks might be causing damage to the submarine cables. In response, the PTA Chairman firmly stated that sharks have no impact on the cables. He explained that the submarine cables are built to withstand various underwater challenges, including natural ones, and that sharks pose no threat to their integrity. This clarification was important as it dispelled a popular myth about the safety of the country’s internet infrastructure.
Regarding internet speed, Major General Hafeez ur Rehman shared that Pakistan ranks 97th in the world for internet speed. While this ranking may not be the highest, the PTA is continuously working to improve the quality and speed of internet services in the country. The addition of more submarine cables is expected to enhance Pakistan’s connectivity and speed, making internet access smoother for users across the nation.
Additionally, the PTA Chairman touched on the issue of social media content. He shared that the authority receives approximately 500 complaints daily about various social media posts. In response to these complaints, the PTA requests that platforms take down specific content that violates the country’s regulations. According to the Chairman, about 80% of the problematic content is successfully blocked. However, 20% of it remains accessible due to certain challenges in the enforcement process. He also mentioned that the Ministry of Interior can direct the PTA to take further actions when necessary, following the appropriate legal procedures.
In conclusion, the PTA is actively working to improve Pakistan’s internet services and address concerns about application performance and content regulation. With plans to increase the number of submarine cables and efforts to block harmful online content, Pakistan is moving towards better digital connectivity. The assurance that sharks cannot damage submarine cables also helps clarify common misconceptions, ensuring the public that their online experience will remain secure and efficient.
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