A recent technical analysis by the digital rights group Bytes For All (B4A) has uncovered that Pakistani internet users employing virtual private networks (VPNs) experienced markedly improved download speeds and minimal disruptions over the past month. The analysis highlights a significant disparity in performance between VPN and non-VPN internet connections.
Key Findings: VPN vs. Non-VPN Performance
According to the B4A report, a comprehensive network health scan was conducted across various internet service providers (ISPs) in Pakistan. The results indicated that VPN users enjoyed superior download speeds and lower retransmission rates compared to those on standard, non-VPN connections. The improved performance is attributed to VPNs potentially circumventing ISP-imposed throttling and Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) measures, which are known to cause internet slowdowns.
The report suggests that the use of VPNs might be bypassing these restrictive measures, leading to a more stable and faster internet experience for users. This finding contrasts sharply with the conditions faced by those accessing the internet without a VPN.
Government Response to Internet Slowdowns
The issue of internet disruptions, which began in July, prompted significant public outcry and demand for explanations. In response, the Minister of State for IT and Telecommunications, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, addressed the situation in a press conference on August 18. Khawaja denied any state involvement in the internet slowdown and instead attributed the reduced broadband speeds to the increased use of VPNs by users attempting to access restricted applications.
The minister’s statement reflects a broader concern over the use of VPNs to bypass regional restrictions and access services that may otherwise be unavailable or throttled. Despite these claims, the technical analysis by B4A provides evidence that VPNs could be offering a solution to the internet performance issues that many users have been experiencing.
The findings from Bytes For All’s analysis underscore a critical issue in the ongoing debate over internet access and performance in Pakistan. As VPNs continue to serve as a tool for users seeking to improve their online experience and bypass restrictive measures, the need for transparent and effective solutions to address internet performance issues remains evident.
The discrepancies highlighted by the report suggest a need for further investigation into ISP practices and the impact of network management techniques on user experience. As the situation evolves, it will be important for stakeholders, including government officials and ISPs, to consider the implications of these findings and work towards ensuring equitable and efficient internet access for all users in Pakistan.
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