According to the World Population Survey, Pakistan ranks 198th out of 198 countries in terms of internet speed, making it the slowest in the world. The country’s internet speed lags behind nations like Palestine, Bhutan, Ghana, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, and Libya, highlighting the challenges faced by users in accessing reliable and fast connectivity.
Internet Speed Metrics in Pakistan
The report reveals that the average mobile internet download speed in Pakistan stands at 19.59 Mbps, while the average broadband speed is 15.52 Mbps. These figures place Pakistan far below the global standards for internet connectivity, severely impacting the online experience for its users.
Top Countries in Internet Speed
On the other hand, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leads globally in both mobile and broadband internet speeds. Singapore and Qatar follow closely, ranking second and third in mobile internet speed. In terms of broadband, Singapore retains its lead, with Qatar and Hong Kong ranked next.
For mobile internet, Hong Kong and Chile hold the third and fourth positions respectively, showcasing their advancements in digital infrastructure.
Hope for Improvement in Pakistan
The report expresses optimism that Pakistan’s internet speed could improve as technology advances. However, concerns remain regarding the implementation of firewalls, which may negatively impact connectivity.
Insights from Pakistan Software Houses Association
The Chairman of the Software Houses Association Mr. Sajjad Mustafa Syed, says that currently the internet speed issues are estimated to be fixed within three months. However, he raised concerns about potential disruptions caused by surveillance measures.
“If users can send messages through WhatsApp but face issues transferring images, it could indicate active monitoring,” he explained, emphasizing the need for transparency in such practices.
Widespread Complaints from Users
Internet users across Pakistan are grappling with frequent outages and slow speeds. These issues are particularly problematic for sending or receiving media files, such as photos, videos, and voice notes, on popular platforms like WhatsApp.
Both Wi-Fi and mobile data services have been reported to experience significant slowdowns, frustrating users and hampering productivity.
Looking Ahead
While there are promises of improvements in the coming months, Pakistan’s ranking in global internet speed underscores the urgent need for investment in digital infrastructure. Addressing these challenges is vital to keep pace with technological advancements and to ensure better connectivity for millions of users across the country.
