Internet usage up 15 percent as fight against virus continues

The country has witnessed around 15 percent increase in internet usage since last week as fight against coronavirus outbreak continues. but consumers are complaining of poor services by the telecom companies.
According to the information being collected from telecom operators by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), a net increase of around 15 percent in internet usage was witnessed since last week as the country fights against coronavirus.
Khurram Mehran, spokesperson of the PTA said that the increase had been observed due to increased online activities by educational institutions and businesses and, "work from home" policy adopted by individuals and organisations.
There is sufficient internet capacity available in the country to meet the growing demands of the future. The PTA has been closely monitoring the internet usage patterns so as to ensure that fast and efficient telecom services remain available to the consumers in this difficult time, he added.
ShameOnTelecomSector was the top trend on twitter on Thursday, with people comparing measures of other countries' telcos to facilitate people in coronavirus crisis with Pakistan's.
In some countries, telcos are offering free bundles and special work-from-home offers, while others are providing free access to learning websites and resources. However, in Pakistan many people are complaining about the poor services of telecom companies with respect to internet services.
Responding to the trend, Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim said in a tweet, "Disappointing to see lack of awareness and appreciation for the telecom industry's heartfelt support in time of the COVID-19 crisis. We all are working hard to keep essential services like phone and the internet functional under this lockdown.
This is not easy work and requires everyone to be united. While I am disappointed by some noise on social media, my priority is to keep the network running for millions. We have a supportive federal and provincial government and relevant institutions to provide dependable services." Dwellers of the twin cities are facing difficulties in getting mobile phone cards/balance due to the lockdown.
They appealed to the government to allow balance/mobile cards shops open as it has become the basic right. Mehran said that they had written to all the provincial chief secretaries, inspector generals and other high ups to allow all mobile telecom businesses to be open.