Pakistan has the Potential to Link Central Asia with International Network

Pakistan has the capability to link Central Asia with international network, with the help of coastline and direct access to submarine cable landing points.

According to the report “Unleashing the potential of the Internet in Central Asia and beyond”, Pakistan along with Iran has the potential to develop natural southern route to connect Central Asia+5 to international networks, but if Pakistan does not fulfill this challenge then ultimately Iran will intervene to fill the role.

Pakistan has the Potential to Link Central Asia with International Network

The report conjointly launched by Asian Development Bank, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific and NGO Internet Society, recommends that Pakistan has the utmost international connectivity in the region at 300 GPS because of its significant position, but it needs to access its own population as 300 GPS, which only translate to 7.1 kbps per internet user.

“If Pakistan is able to capitalize its strategic geographical location and position itself as a provider of international bandwidth to its neighbors as well as alternate route to others it will consolidate early transnational developments and help accelerate transformation of early economy.”

Report observed.

But the government has yet to decide a comprehensive and effective strategy for future.

“According to my information, telecommunication set up and lying of fiber optic along highway is being planned.”

Said PTA Chairman Dr Ismail Shah.

He also informed that technically the country was prepared for becoming international transit hub, as it has good international connectivity and good national optic network, but certain policies are needed to permit transit traffic.

When the government was questioned about dispersal of Universal Service Fund (USF) and sovereign assurance about the permanence of policies declared by the government in telecom sector and how to incorporate various departments including agriculture in digital format, the government officials were unable to give any satisfactory or clear answer.

Also Read: China to Link ASEAN Via Internet and Telecom Fund