PTA Clarifies No VPNs Blocked, Highlights Telecom Growth

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) recently addressed the ongoing rumors about the potential blocking of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in the country. During the launch of its Annual Report, PTA Chairman Hafizur Rehman clarified that the regulator has never blocked any VPNs to date and has no plans to do so in the future, despite possessing the technical ability to block them. This statement came after months of speculation regarding the government’s intention to regulate VPNs, including extending the deadline for their registration.

PTA’s Annual Report: A Snapshot of Telecom Sector Growth

The PTA’s Annual Report revealed that the telecommunications sector in Pakistan had experienced a remarkable surge, with revenues reaching a historic high of Rs955 billion for the fiscal year 2023-24. The report also highlighted that the Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) had increased to Rs302 per month during the April-June 2024, reflecting a positive trend in the telecom industry.

The Role of VPNs and Social Media Usage

Despite PTA’s assurance regarding VPNs, there have been concerns raised by the government about the dangers associated with VPN usage, particularly in accessing harmful or immoral content on social media and other online platforms. However, the PTA also shared updated statistics regarding social media usage in Pakistan:

• Facebook remains the most popular platform, with over 60 million users.
• YouTube follows closely, with more than 70 million active viewers.
• TikTok, a rising star in social media, boasts 54.4 million users, with the vast majority being male (78%).
• Instagram has 7.3 million users, of which 64% are male and 36% female.

This data reflects the growing trend of digital engagement, particularly on video-sharing platforms.

Telecom Subscriber Base Growth

The report also emphasized the growth in telecom subscribers, which had reached a total of 196 million. Out of this, 142.3 million were broadband subscribers, with 3.6 million on fixed broadband and the remaining on mobile broadband. The report further disclosed that cellular mobile services now reach 91% of Pakistan’s population, with over 81% coverage for 3G/4G networks. By June 2024, there were 55,777 operational cell sites, of which 95.5% supported 4G, further contributing to the increase in broadband subscriptions.

Key Takeaways

The PTA’s report not only reassures that VPNs are not being blocked but also illustrates the ongoing growth of the telecom sector in Pakistan. With an expanding user base for broadband and mobile services, the telecom industry is poised to continue its upward trajectory.

FAQs

1. Has PTA blocked any VPNs in Pakistan?
No, the PTA has confirmed that it has not blocked any VPNs, nor does it plan to do so in the future.

2. Why is the PTA concerned about VPN usage?
The government has expressed concerns that VPNs might facilitate access to immoral or harmful content on social media and other internet platforms.

3. What is the current telecom subscriber base in Pakistan?
As of 2024, Pakistan’s telecom subscriber base stands at 196 million, including 142.3 million broadband users.

4. Which social media platforms are most popular in Pakistan?
The most popular platforms include Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, with millions of active users across these services.

5. What percentage of Pakistan’s population has access to mobile broadband?
Cellular mobile services now cover 91% of Pakistan’s population, and 3G/4G signals reach over 81% of the population.