Power cuts, terrorism, fibre damage hurting internet speed: IT Ministry

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications has said that prolonged power outages are mostly responsible for slow internet speed in the country, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday.

In its report submitted to the National Assembly on the causes of slow internet speed in the country and steps being taken to improve the service, the ministry said that the lack of reliable commercial electricity places significant pressure on backup systems, leading to service disruptions and reduced internet speed.

It added that heavy dependence on solar energy systems, particularly during winter months when daylight hours are shorter, also affects operational capacity and network performance.

The report further noted that optical fibre cable cuts and interruptions in backhaul connectivity continue to disrupt voice and data services across several regions.

The ministry also identified theft and vandalism involving batteries, fuel supplies, fibre cables and telecom equipment as major factors affecting the continuity of internet and telecommunications services.

The ministry stated that difficult geographical conditions and harsh weather in remote areas often delay operational and repair work, while security concerns and restricted access in certain regions further hamper restoration activities.

The report also highlighted administrative challenges, including delays in obtaining right-of-way permissions and the absence of a comprehensive one-window facilitation system for telecom infrastructure projects.

Despite the challenges, the ministry expressed optimism regarding future improvements in internet quality. It stated that the quality of service auction results are expected to significantly improve internet performance, with average 4G speeds projected to rise from around 4 Mbps to nearly 20 Mbps.

The minister said initial 5G speeds are expected to reach approximately 50 Mbps. The ministry said the rollout of 5G services would gradually expand from provincial capitals to other cities, with telecom operators required to install around 1,000 new sites annually, including 20 per cent at entirely new locations.

Over the past five years, more than 12,000 telecom sites have either been installed or upgraded, while proposals to expand coverage along highways and in rural areas remain under consideration.

The ministry also informed the assembly that the fibre-to-site ratio is being increased from 20% to 35% to strengthen network reliability.

The report revealed that 379 surveys had been conducted during the last three years, including 243 quarterly planning surveys. In addition, authorities issued 43 show-cause notices over the past five years and imposed fines amounting to Rs68.9 million.

Reporter: Rozina Ali