According to a report by the World Population Review (WPR), Pakistan ranks 198th out of 224 countries in internet speed. This places the country behind nations like Palestine, Bhutan, and Libya.
The report highlights Pakistan’s struggles with both mobile and broadband internet:
- Mobile Internet: Average speed of 19.59 Mbps
- Broadband Internet: Average speed of 15.52 Mbps
In contrast, top-performing countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) lead the rankings with mobile speeds of 297.62 Mbps, followed by Singapore and Qatar. Regionally, India ranks 72nd, showcasing better infrastructure and connectivity.
Slow internet speeds are not just an inconvenience; they hurt the economy. According to the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), even a one-hour internet outage can cost over $1 million in lost revenue, affecting the IT sector’s exports and client confidence.
Frequent outages and inconsistent speeds also disrupt daily life, making it difficult for users to browse, download, or share media smoothly.
Pakistan faces significant challenges in its digital infrastructure, but experts believe technological advancements can bring improvements. Enhancing internet services is crucial for the country’s IT growth and overall global competitiveness.
