ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blamed WhatsApp for recent disruptions in the popular messaging app.
According to documents from the PTA, WhatsApp has relocated its session server routing abroad, a move prompted by the recent internet shutdowns in Pakistan.
In response to ongoing slow internet speeds and frequent outages, several international companies, including WhatsApp, have begun shifting key operations outside of Pakistan. This shift has affected WhatsApp’s service delivery, causing communication issues for users.
The PTA reported improvements in internet services across both fixed-line and mobile networks.
Fixed-line internet speeds have increased by two levels over the past month, though Pakistan still ranks 139th globally in this category.
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Mobile network performance has also improved by three levels, bringing Pakistan to 97th place in global mobile network rankings.
Yesterday, the government of Pakistan decided to hire a consultant to assist with the licencing process of Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by US billionaire Elon Musk.
The development occurred on Tuesday during a meeting chaired by the Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
The meeting’s agenda included talking about ways to improve satellite connection and technology in Pakistan.
Representatives from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), and the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) attended the meeting.
Along with Starlink’s licensing process, the meeting also discussed the development of a regulatory framework for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
