KP Government
As internet users across Pakistan continue to experience slow speeds, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government is exploring the option of contacting tech mogul Elon Musk to address the ongoing issue.
Special Assistant to the KP Chief Minister, Shafqat Ayaz, stated that the provincial government will not only reach out to Musk but also contact other relevant parties to find a solution. The slow internet speeds have significantly impacted the province’s Information Technology (IT) sector, with businesses and professionals in the industry facing severe disruptions.
Ayaz acknowledged the persistent internet problems in KP, though the exact reasons behind the slowdown remain unclear. The issue has exacerbated over time, with users across the region reporting slower-than-usual internet speeds, affecting daily life and work.
While the government has been quick to blame faults in submarine cables as a potential cause, some reports suggest the possibility of authorities experimenting with a “firewall,” which may be contributing to the problem.
The situation has drawn attention from the international tech community, particularly after Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, confirmed that his satellite internet service, Starlink, was awaiting approval from the Pakistani government.
Musk’s remarks came during a conversation with Pakistani social media activist Sanam Jamali on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle. Musk revealed that SpaceX was ready to launch Starlink in Pakistan, pending approval from Islamabad.
Jamali urged Musk to expedite the process, noting that millions of Pakistanis could benefit from the connectivity, educational opportunities, and economic benefits Starlink could bring to the country. With millions of users experiencing internet disruptions, the call for Starlink’s services has intensified.
Pakistan’s Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, also weighed in on the matter during a Senate Standing Committee meeting on IT and Telecommunication.
Khawaja confirmed that the government was in talks with Starlink to bring its services to Pakistan and resolve the ongoing connectivity issues.
As internet problems continue to affect millions of users nationwide, the collaboration with Starlink could provide a much-needed solution for better internet access across the country.
