Challenges Mount for Digital Community in Sustaining Livelihoods

ISLAMABAD: Shahzad Arshad, chairman of the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan, stated that Pakistan’s digital community continues to face poor internet speeds and unpredictable access, even after five months of disruptions.

This ongoing issue has severely impacted remote workers and freelancers, who contribute $400 million annually to the country. The unreliable internet has disrupted their connections with international clients, affecting their ability to compete in the global market. Additionally, the inaccessibility of social media platforms has added to their frustrations.

Impact on Small Businesses and Content Creators

Not having access to social media not only makes it harder for people to talk to each other, but also makes it hard for small businesses, content makers, and influencers to make money.

He went on to say that the government’s strategy of requiring VPN registration, which was supposedly a way to control internet use and make it safer, had really backfired. Even though the number of registrations has gone up, many users are still denied access and find the process confusing.

Users using mobile data have it especially tough because many aren’t familiar with the concept of an IP address and therefore can’t comply with the requirement to supply one. The digital divide has grown as a result of this negligence, leaving many people out in the cold.

Importance of Digital Workforce and Online Communities

An integral aspect of Pakistan’s social and economic fabric is its digital workforce and online communities. Allowing insufficient infrastructure and bad internet policies to limit their potential can further isolate the country from the rest of the digital world.

Stakes are high and time is ticking. No matter what the government does next, Pakistan will either rise to its digital goals or stay stuck in connectivity uncertainty.

He stated that Pakistani digital workers and communities are waiting, suffering against poor speeds and silence.