The most popular instant messaging service in the world, WhatsApp, recently moved its session server routing out of Pakistan in response to that country’s latest internet disruptions. This has disconnected many users and frustrated many businesses and individual users who need the platform to communicate.
Why Whatsapp session server is routing out of Pakistan?
Relocation of WhatsApp’s Content Delivery Network (CDN) abroad is because, according to official reports, it is due to persistent internet slowdowns in the country. Though there is no official statement from WhatsApp on the issue, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has admitted to service disruptions and impact on the users.
According to the PTA, internet services in Pakistan have made significant gains in the past month. According to reports, fixed-line internet services improved two tiers in world rankings, leaving Pakistan at number 139 for fixed-line internet speed. Mobile internet services also registered a gain by climbing three tiers, ranking at number 97 in the global arena. All said and done, the nagging problem of slow and uncertain internet remains a massive worry for international organizations that rely upon smooth connectivity.
Efforts to Address Connectivity Issues
In response to these challenges, the PTA has confirmed that it is in ongoing discussions with Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, to address Pakistan’s connectivity problems. The talks are at an early stage, and Starlink is seeking regulatory approval to operate in the country.
The PTA, in collaboration with the National Space Agency, is reviewing the technical requirements of Starlink under Pakistan’s national space policy. The key factors that include bandwidth, uplinking, and gateway installations are being reviewed before approval.
This development comes when the country is under immense pressure to improve its internet infrastructure. For now, WhatsApp’s move to shift its servers abroad serves as a warning for Pakistan to enhance its digital ecosystem so that further global services are not disrupted.
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