Internet Slowdown Causes Pakistani Freelancers to Lose 70% of Work

 

The ongoing internet slowdown in Pakistan has hit the freelancing sector hard, with online workers reporting a dramatic 70% reduction in work opportunities. The nationwide connectivity issues are causing widespread disruptions in various industries, particularly affecting those who rely heavily on fast and stable internet access for their work.

Freelancers, who form a substantial part of Pakistan’s digital workforce, are facing significant setbacks due to slow internet speeds. Numerous individuals have failed to meet critical deadlines, resulting in the forfeiture of contracts and, in some instances, the termination of accounts. Moreover, digital marketing initiatives are being significantly obstructed, thereby further reducing the prospects for online employment within the nation.

Experts have articulated concerns that should the current internet issues persist, Pakistan may forfeit valuable freelance clientele to neighbouring nations such as India and Bangladesh, where internet services are notably more reliable.

Regarding the persistent connectivity issues, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has implemented measures to facilitate freelancers in registering their Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) using their phone numbers. Although the registration process is intended to mitigate certain restrictions imposed by the PTA, it remains uncertain whether this solution will significantly benefit freelancers who are grappling with inadequate internet connectivity.

However, Pakistan’s information technology sector is similarly suffering the adverse effects of these internet shutdowns. The information technology sector, which has been significantly affected by shutdowns, has incurred losses exceeding $1 million per hour, with nearly all companies experiencing disruptions in their services. The sector has requested that the government develop tax incentives and policies to foster development and investment, as the ongoing connectivity challenges persist in resulting in financial losses.

These issues continue to represent some of the enduring challenges faced by Pakistan, and their prolonged impact on the nation’s freelancing industry could be catastrophic if the government does not take prompt action to rectify the existing, unstable internet connectivity.

Here’s How Freelancers Can Now Register VPNs via Mobile Numbers

 The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) recently announced a new initiative that permits freelancers to register Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) utilizing their mobile numbers. This measure aims to facilitate secure and uninterrupted VPN functionality for freelancers who do not possess static IP addresses.

The PTA stated, “To facilitate the legitimate, secure and uninterrupted operations of VPN by freelancers who don’t have static IP addresses, the facility to register VPN against mobile number has been introduced by PTA.”

The PTA has launched an internet platform at https://ipregistration.pta.gov.pk where freelancers utilizing mobile data connections may now register their VPNs. The expectation was that this shortened procedure would lend a hand to the IT sector by facilitating easier and more accessible VPN access.

In its statement, the PTA further emphasized its continuous efforts to support the IT industry, indicating that more than 31,000 VPNs have already been registered. By implementing registration based on mobile numbers, the authority aimed to facilitate the process for users who depend on mobile data connections.

This initiative constituted a component of a comprehensive endeavour aimed at reconciling secure internet usage with the requirements of Pakistan’s expanding information technology and freelance workforce. The PTA reaffirmed its dedication to facilitating legitimate access to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which serve as an essential resource for freelancers and information technology professionals engaged in the global marketplace.

The announcement emphasized the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s commitment to modernizing digital infrastructure and addressing the evolving needs of the country’s technology sector.

The organization had originally established a deadline of November 30 for the registration of VPNs. Subsequently, it was determined that VPNs would not be prohibited following the expiration of the deadline, because such action would exceed the stipulated parameters.

The Ministry of Interior had previously declared the initiation of the process to terminate all unregistered VPNs by mid-November. However, it subsequently issued a two-week “grace period” to permit these unregistered VPNs to fulfil the requisite registration obligations.