A recent report by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reveals that increased VPN usage during internet disruptions is a major factor behind slow internet speeds in the country.
VPN traffic avoids local content delivery networks (CDNs), which handle 70% of Pakistan’s internet services. This creates inefficiencies and adds pressure on the internet infrastructure. The result is not only slower internet speeds but also economic losses, as each megabyte of VPN data costs approximately $1.
The report suggests that a clear strategy is needed to regulate VPN use and improve local infrastructure. This would help minimize both operational challenges and financial losses.
Pakistan continues to rank poorly in global internet speed comparisons. This impacts key sectors like business, education, and healthcare, making it harder for people to work, study, or access essential services.
Improving internet services is critical for the country’s digital growth and economic development. The PTA emphasizes the need for better infrastructure and smarter management of internet resources to address these ongoing challenges.
