The suspension of mobile internet services in Pakistan has dealt a severe blow to the economy, causing huge losses for telecom operators, the government, and the people of the country. This disruption has affected all major mobile networks in the country and has resulted in a significant loss of revenue for telecom companies. The government has also suffered a substantial decline in tax revenue, and the general public has been inconvenienced by the suspension of mobile internet services.
Telcos Have Incurred a Massive Revenue Loss
According to sources in the telecom sector, the suspension of mobile broadband services has caused telecom operators an estimated revenue loss of Rs. 820 million. This is a huge blow for the telecom industry, which has already been facing tough competition and shrinking margins. The suspension of services has further weakened their position in the market and has caused significant financial losses.
Loss of Revenue for the Government
The government has also suffered a significant loss of revenue due to the suspension of mobile internet services. Sources report that the government has lost around Rs. 28 million in tax revenue. The telecom industry is a major contributor to the country’s economy, and any disruption in its operations can have a severe impact on the government’s finances.
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Individuals Have Suffered a Significant Loss in Earnings
In addition to the telecom operators and the government, individuals who depend on digital apps such as Careem, InDrive, and FoodPanda have suffered a significant loss in earnings. Digital payments have come to a standstill, and people are unable to carry out their day-to-day transactions. The suspension of mobile internet services has caused widespread inconvenience and hardship to the masses.
Customers Are Also Incurring Losses
Apart from the telecom operators and individuals, customers who subscribe to daily bundles using data are also incurring losses. With data services suspended, users are unable to activate any bundles. This has resulted in a significant financial loss for customers who rely on data services to carry out their daily activities.
The Situation Shows No Signs of Cooling Off
Mobile internet services have been shut down in many cities across Pakistan since Tuesday. The disruption in services emerged on Tuesday as protests erupted after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan. The situation has persisted, and there are no signs of a resolution in the near future. Mobile users have reported disruption in services in many cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi.
Immediate Attention of Concerned Authorities
The suspension of mobile broadband services has caused significant damage to the telecom industry, the government, and the general public. It is imperative that the concerned authorities take immediate action to resume data services. The suspension has caused inconvenience and hardship to the masses, and it is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that the situation is resolved as soon as possible.
