Amir Saeed

Inadequate mobile broadband performance limits Pakistan’s potential for a flourishing digital economy and poses significant challenges to innovation, connectivity, and overall economic growth. Talking to WealthPK, Ghulam Rehman, President of Freelancers Association of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), said that mobile broadband had become a lifeline for many people, especially in rural areas where traditional internet services are often unavailable. “With over 160 million mobile subscribers, Pakistan is one of the largest mobile markets in the region.” “However, reports indicate that the average mobile internet speed remains below global standards, which not only frustrates users but also limits the ability of businesses to operate efficiently. The slow speeds and inconsistent connectivity hinder everything from e-commerce to telehealth services, impeding the growth of a digital economy that could thrive with better infrastructure,” noted Rehman.

He further said that broadband internet had emerged as a key component of contemporary communication due to its high-speed connectivity and ability to serve a wide range of activities, including online schooling and streaming services. “The exponential rise of broadband internet has caused a major shift in the country's telecommunications landscape, as 97% of users now rely on wireless mobile connections for their internet access.” Rehman said that investment in infrastructure was crucial to overcoming these challenges. “The government, alongside private telecom companies, must prioritise the expansion and enhancement of mobile broadband networks in the country.” Talking to WealthPK, Anees Amin, Chief Executive Officer of TechScape Private Limited, a technology firm, opined that the digital divide was stark as cities experienced relatively better connectivity compared to rural regions.

“Inequalities in economic, educational, and information access are made worse by this discrepancy.” He explained that many small businesses in remote areas were unable to tap into online marketplaces or digital payment systems due to unreliable internet service. “This limits their growth potential and undermines efforts to promote entrepreneurship in underserved communities,” he said. Furthermore, Amin said the lack of reliable mobile broadband affected the government’s digital initiatives aimed at improving public services. “Programmes like e-governance and online citizen services are critical for transparency and efficiency, yet their implementation is often marred by connectivity issues.” He pointed out that as citizens increasingly demand digital solutions, the inability to provide consistent service threatens to erode trust in governmental institutions and initiatives to promote the digital economy.

“Initiatives to upgrade existing towers, increase bandwidth, and invest in new technologies such as 5G are essential to ensure that all regions of Pakistan can benefit from the digital revolution. Such investments would not only improve connectivity but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth,” Amin stressed. “In addition to infrastructure improvements, there is a need for comprehensive policies that encourage digital literacy and adoption.” Amin also pointed out that many potential users remained unaware of the benefits of mobile broadband or how to use digital tools effectively. “Particularly in rural areas, educational initiatives that foster digital skills can enable people and businesses to utilise the internet fully, thereby accelerating economic growth.”

Credit: INP-WealthPk