(PTA) Slow Internet in Pakistan And VPNs Are Unrelated

VPNs 

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Tuesday absolved all allegations about an apparent slowing down internet in the country owing to extensive use of virtual private networks (VPN).

The statement was released at a National Assembly IT and Telecom Committee meeting. It sharply contrasts comments by IT Minister Shazia Fatima in August. Then she had labeled excessive use of VPNs responsible for internet slowdowns.

PTA officials stressed that VPN restrictions have no bearing on internet speed and invited users to report specific areas facing issues for detailed surveys.

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The meeting discussed various issues including internet speed, progress on the Personal Data Protection Bill and PTCL property policies. A member moved complaint against PTA for not achieving its promised improvement of internet speed from August 31. PTA blamed technical problems to submarine cables which it said had been rectified. The officials highlighted that there are seven submarine cables currently providing service to Pakistan and all of them were repaired as they had suffered damages due to weather hitches.

The committee was apprised by the IT Ministry about the Personal Data Protection Bill and informed that the draft has already been finalised and shared with the stakeholders.

Discussions brought up PTCL Property leasing practices. One committee member Mukhtar Malik also questioned PEPRA rule compliance, stating that property was sold under its valuation. PTCL representatives denied selling the properties, saying that bids received were below reserve prices. Committee has demanded a detailed policy briefing and also commented over delay in resolving customer complaints.

Relatedly, on 5G, PTA disclosed that a consultant is working on a spectrum policy and its report will be ready in January and rollout by April 2025.