Internet usage increases 15pc as Pakistanis are compelled to stay at home amid corona crisis

• A net increase of around 15 percent in internet usage was witnessed since last week as the country fights against Coronavirus.
• There is sufficient internet capacity available in the country to meet the growing demands of the future, says PTA.

The internet usage in Pakistan has increased by 15 percent in a matter of days, informed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) as people are compelled to remain in their homes amid the growing spread of coronavirus in the country.  

“According to information being collected from telecom operators by PTA, a net increase of around 15 percent in internet usage was witnessed since last week as the country fights against Coronavirus,” stated PTA in a statement.

The telecom regulator revealed that the “increase has been observed due to increased online activities by educational institutions and businesses and, ‘work from home’ policy adopted by individuals and organizations.”

“There is sufficient internet capacity available in the country to meet the growing demands of the future. 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,” the authority added.

Furthermore, PTA has directed mobile phone operators to replace standard ring back tone (heard by caller when a call is being made) with awareness messages about COVID-19 preventive measures.

“Cell phone operators have sent 13 million awareness messages about Coronavirus to their subscribers today. Since 19 March, more than 366 million awareness msgs have been sent on PTA's directions in English, Urdu, Sindhi, Punjabi, Balochi & Pashto.”

PTA added that these ring tones are free and the subscribers are not being charged for this service.