The Digital Landscape in South Asia
South Asia is a region of contrasts, where bustling tech hubs coexist with areas struggling for basic connectivity. Recent global internet rankings, such as the Ookla Speedtest Global Index, reveal a stark reality: Pakistan lags behind India and other regional neighbors in internet speed and inclusivity. This gap isn’t just about numbers—it affects education, business, and daily life. Let’s explore why Pakistan trails and what it means for its people.
Understanding Internet Rankings: What Are They?
Defining Internet Speed and Inclusivity Metrics
Internet rankings, like those from Ookla or the Inclusive Internet Index, measure metrics such as mobile and fixed broadband speeds, affordability, availability, and user readiness. Pakistan ranks 100th out of 111 countries in mobile internet speeds (20.61 Mbps) and 141st out of 158 in broadband speeds (15.60 Mbps), according to Ookla’s October 2024 data. In contrast, India ranks 25th globally for mobile speeds (100.78 Mbps), showcasing a significant disparity. These metrics reflect not just connectivity but also a country’s digital infrastructure and economic potential.
Why Rankings Matter
Rankings aren’t just numbers on a page—they signal a country’s ability to compete in a digital world. Slow internet speeds hinder remote work, online education, and e-commerce, all critical in today’s economy. For Pakistan, trailing behind India and even war-torn nations like Palestine (higher in some rankings) underscores an urgent need for improvement. This gap affects everyone, from students streaming lectures to entrepreneurs running online businesses.
Pakistan’s Internet Struggles: A Closer Look
Mobile Internet Speeds: Falling Behind
Pakistan’s mobile internet speed averages 20.61 Mbps, placing it 100th globally, far behind India’s 100.78 Mbps at 25th. I remember trying to join a Zoom call during a visit to Karachi last year—the connection dropped repeatedly, leaving me frustrated. This isn’t uncommon; users across Pakistan face slow downloads and buffering, making tasks like video streaming or file sharing a test of patience.
Fixed Broadband: An Even Bigger Gap
Fixed broadband tells a grimmer story. Pakistan ranks 141st with an average speed of 15.60 Mbps, compared to India’s 99th place. In rural areas, where broadband infrastructure is scarce, families often rely on mobile data, which is both costly and unreliable. This gap stifles innovation, as businesses struggle to maintain consistent online operations.
Internet Inclusivity: A Regional Disparity
The Inclusive Internet Index, published by the Economist Intelligence Unit, ranks Pakistan 90th out of 120 countries, down from 89th in 2020. India, at 49th, outperforms Pakistan in availability, affordability, and readiness. This means more Indians have access to reliable, affordable internet, while Pakistanis, especially in rural areas, face barriers like high costs and poor infrastructure.
Comparing Pakistan and India: A Tale of Two Neighbors
Internet Speed Comparison
Here’s how Pakistan and India stack up in key metrics based on recent data:
| Metric | Pakistan | India |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Internet Speed | 20.61 Mbps (100th) | 100.78 Mbps (25th) |
| Fixed Broadband Speed | 15.60 Mbps (141st) | 46.47 Mbps (99th) |
| Internet Penetration | ~25% | ~50% |
| Inclusive Internet Rank | 90th (out of 120) | 49th (out of 120) |
This table highlights India’s lead in both speed and penetration, driven by investments in 4G and 5G networks and affordable data plans.
Infrastructure Investments
India’s telecom giants, like Reliance Jio, have poured billions into 4G and 5G infrastructure, offering low-cost data plans that boosted internet penetration to over 900 million users. Pakistan, while making strides with companies like Jazz, struggles with outdated 3G networks and limited fiber optic coverage. A friend in Lahore once shared how his small business suffered because he couldn’t afford reliable broadband—something Indian entrepreneurs face less frequently.
Affordability and Accessibility
India’s data plans are among the cheapest globally, with 2GB daily 4G data available for as low as $4/month. In Pakistan, affordability remains a barrier, especially for low-income households. Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, noted that smartphone costs hinder connectivity for poorer segments, though second-hand devices are common. Still, Pakistan’s policies lag in promoting 4G-compatible devices.
Why Pakistan Lags: Root Causes
Underdeveloped Infrastructure
Pakistan’s digital infrastructure is patchy, with urban centers like Karachi and Lahore enjoying better connectivity than rural areas. Only 25% of the population has internet access, compared to India’s 50%. Limited fiber optic networks and reliance on 3G technology are major bottlenecks. Upgrading to 4G and 5G requires massive investment, which Pakistan’s economy struggles to support.
Policy and Regulation Challenges
Government policies, including recent internet firewall tests, have slowed connectivity. In July and August 2024, these trials caused widespread disruptions, affecting platforms like WhatsApp. Unlike India, where regulatory reforms encouraged private investment, Pakistan’s telecom sector faces bureaucratic hurdles and inconsistent policies.
Economic Constraints
Pakistan’s economic challenges, including high inflation and currency depreciation, limit funds for infrastructure upgrades. In contrast, India’s robust GDP growth has fueled telecom investments. A local IT professional I spoke to in Islamabad lamented how budget cuts often prioritize other sectors over digital development, leaving internet speeds stagnant.
Pros and Cons of Pakistan’s Internet Ecosystem
Pros:
- Growing mobile penetration, with over 190 million cellular subscribers.
- Affordable second-hand smartphones make internet access feasible for some.
- Private telecoms like Jazz are pushing for 4G expansion.
Cons:
- Slow mobile (20.61 Mbps) and broadband (15.60 Mbps) speeds.
- Low internet penetration, especially in rural areas.
- Policy delays and firewall disruptions hinder progress.
India’s Digital Leap: Lessons for Pakistan
Reliance Jio’s Game-Changing Model
India’s digital transformation owes much to Reliance Jio, which disrupted the market with dirt-cheap data plans in 2016. By 2024, Jio’s 4G and 5G networks covered most of India, pushing mobile speeds to 100.78 Mbps. Pakistan could learn from this by incentivizing private telecoms to offer affordable plans and expand 4G coverage.
Government Initiatives
India’s Digital India program has boosted rural connectivity through public Wi-Fi and fiber optic networks. Pakistan’s Digital Pakistan initiative exists but lacks the funding and execution of its Indian counterpart. Scaling up such programs could bridge the urban-rural divide.
Public-Private Partnerships
India’s success stems from partnerships between government and telecom giants. Pakistan’s telecom sector, while competitive, needs similar collaborations to fund infrastructure. For instance, policies allowing operators to sell 4G smartphones on installments could boost adoption, as suggested by Jazz’s CEO.
The Human Impact: Stories from the Ground
A Student’s Struggle in Rural Pakistan
I met Ayesha, a college student in rural Punjab, who relies on her brother’s 3G phone for online classes. Slow speeds and frequent dropouts mean she often misses lectures. In contrast, her cousin in Delhi uses Jio’s 4G to attend classes seamlessly. This gap in access shapes their futures differently, highlighting the stakes of Pakistan’s digital lag.
Small Businesses in Crisis
Small businesses, like a Karachi-based Etsy seller I know, suffer from unreliable internet. Uploading product photos takes hours, costing sales. In India, faster speeds and platforms like Amazon India empower similar sellers. Pakistan’s entrepreneurs need better connectivity to compete globally.
Solutions for Pakistan: A Path Forward
Investing in 4G and 5G
Pakistan must phase out 3G and prioritize 4G and 5G networks. The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) predicts speed issues could be resolved in three months with focused investment. Upgrading fiber optic networks is critical to boost broadband speeds.
Policy Reforms
Streamlining regulations to attract private investment and banning 2G-only devices could accelerate progress. India’s success with PM-WANI, a public Wi-Fi framework, offers a model for Pakistan to expand rural access.
Affordable Smartphones and Data Plans
Encouraging local production of 4G smartphones and offering low-cost data plans can bridge the affordability gap. Subsidies or installment plans, as suggested by industry leaders, could make devices accessible to low-income households.
Best Tools for Improving Connectivity
- Starlink: Satellite internet could reach remote areas, though costs are high.
- Jazz 4G Plans: Affordable mobile data options for urban users.
- PTCL Broadband: Reliable for urban households, but needs rural expansion.
- Huawei 5G Equipment: Proven in India, could modernize Pakistan’s networks.
People Also Ask (PAA) Section
Why does Pakistan have slower internet than India?
Pakistan’s slower internet stems from outdated infrastructure, limited fiber optic networks, and recent firewall tests disrupting connectivity. India’s heavy investment in 4G and 5G, led by companies like Jio, has driven faster speeds.
How can Pakistan improve its internet speeds?
Pakistan can improve speeds by investing in 4G/5G infrastructure, streamlining regulations, and promoting affordable smartphones. Public-private partnerships, like India’s, could accelerate progress.
What is the Inclusive Internet Index?
The Inclusive Internet Index, by the Economist Intelligence Unit, ranks countries on internet availability, affordability, relevance, and readiness. Pakistan ranks 90th, lagging behind India at 49th.
Is India’s internet really better than Pakistan’s?
Yes, India outperforms Pakistan in mobile (100.78 Mbps vs. 20.61 Mbps) and broadband (46.47 Mbps vs. 15.60 Mbps) speeds, with higher penetration and affordability.
FAQ Section
What are the main reasons Pakistan ranks lower than India in internet rankings?
Pakistan’s lower ranking is due to slow mobile (20.61 Mbps) and broadband (15.60 Mbps) speeds, limited infrastructure, and policy challenges. India’s investment in 4G/5G and affordable data plans drives its higher ranking.
How does slow internet affect Pakistan’s economy?
Slow internet hampers e-commerce, remote work, and education, costing billions daily. Businesses lose sales, and students struggle with online learning, limiting economic growth.
Can Pakistan catch up to India in internet speeds?
Yes, with investments in 4G/5G, policy reforms, and affordable devices, Pakistan could close the gap. India’s model of public-private partnerships offers a roadmap.
Where can I check global internet rankings?
Visit Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index or the Inclusive Internet Index for detailed rankings.
What tools can improve internet access in Pakistan?
Tools like Starlink for rural areas, Jazz 4G plans, and PTCL broadband can enhance connectivity. Policy support for 4G device affordability is also key.
Conclusion: Bridging the Digital Divide
Pakistan’s lag behind India in internet rankings isn’t just a statistic—it’s a call to action. Slow speeds and low inclusivity limit opportunities for millions, from students to entrepreneurs. By learning from India’s playbook—investing in infrastructure, reforming policies, and ensuring affordability—Pakistan can climb the ranks. The digital divide is real, but with concerted effort, Pakistan can turn the tide and build a connected future. For more insights, check out Digital Pakistan’s initiatives or explore global trends on Ookla’s website.