Internet Speed Rankings
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has been ranked 198th globally in the latest internet speed rankings, according to a report by the World Population Review.
This ranking places Pakistan behind countries like Palestine, Bhutan, Ghana, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, and Libya in terms of average internet speed.
The report highlights significant challenges for Pakistan’s internet infrastructure, with the average mobile internet download speed standing at just 19.59 Mbps, while the average broadband internet speed is 15.52 Mbps.
On a global scale, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leads in both mobile and broadband internet speeds. Singapore ranks second in mobile internet speed, followed closely by Qatar in broadband internet speed.
Hong Kong and Chile also feature prominently, ranking third and fourth respectively in terms of mobile internet speeds. Despite these rankings, the report predicts that technological advancements could potentially lead to improvements in internet speed in the near future.
Sajjad Mustafa Syed, Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), has offered some optimism, stating that the ongoing internet speed issues could be resolved within the next three months.
However, concerns persist regarding the potential implementation of a firewall, which may lead to further connectivity disruptions. Syed noted, “If a message is being sent via WhatsApp but images are not transmitting, it may indicate that monitoring is taking place.”
Currently, users in various regions of Pakistan are reporting intermittent internet outages and significant slowdowns in connectivity. These disruptions are creating challenges for both personal and professional use, as they hinder browsing, media sharing, and the ability to download essential files.
Many users are finding it particularly difficult to send and receive images, videos, and voice notes on popular platforms like WhatsApp due to these speed and connectivity issues. Wi-Fi and mobile data services are both suffering from slowdowns, exacerbating the difficulties for users across the country.
The situation highlights a pressing need for technological and infrastructural reforms to address connectivity problems in Pakistan.
As users continue to face challenges accessing reliable internet services, efforts by technology stakeholders and policymakers will play a vital role in improving connectivity and ensuring better digital access across the nation.
