“Have mercy on us. This internet issue is hurting the IT industry in a long way. In the world of technology, how do you aim to prosper without decent internet speed? We are self-taught people struggling to make ends meet. Let us feed our families, please!”
The Impact of Internet Issues
Internet inconsistency and slow speeds in Pakistan are not just affecting freelancers but the entire IT industry. Freelancers often face challenges in completing their projects on time due to these issues, which impacts their clients’ trust and limits future opportunities.
Challenges Facing Pakistani Freelancers
Pakistani freelancers are currently facing significant challenges due to ongoing internet disruptions. These issues have led to slow speeds and limited functionality on major apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, severely impacting their ability to work on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. To prevent negative impacts on their ratings due to delayed responses, Fiverr has even marked Pakistani freelancers’ gigs as “unavailable”.
Potential Growth in Pakistan’s IT Industry
Despite these setbacks, the future of Pakistan’s IT industry holds promise. The country has seen substantial growth in IT exports, reaching $2.6 billion in FY 2021-22. With a young population and increasing numbers of IT graduates, Pakistan is positioned to become a significant player in the global IT market. However, to fully realize this potential, improvements in broadband infrastructure and support for digital entrepreneurs are crucial.
Challenges for the IT Industry
The IT industry’s success heavily depends on fast and reliable internet connectivity. Working with international clients requires instant communication and data transfer. Slow internet speeds and inconsistent connectivity not only delay project delivery but also hinder the overall efficiency and productivity of the industry.
The Plight of Self-Taught Freelancers
Many freelancers in Pakistan are self-taught individuals who have honed their skills through dedication and hard work. These freelancers rely on online platforms to secure projects and earn a living. The current internet issues are making it increasingly difficult for them to maintain their livelihoods and support their families.
Steps to Overcome the Crisis
To ensure the growth and sustainability of Pakistan’s IT industry and freelance community, it is crucial to address the root causes of internet inconsistency. Here are some potential steps:
- Infrastructure Improvement:
- The government and private sector must invest in upgrading internet infrastructure to ensure high-speed and stable connectivity across the country. This will benefit not only freelancers but also boost overall economic growth.
- Policy Advocacy:
- Freelancers and their associations should engage with platforms like Fiverr to advocate for fairer policies that consider the unique challenges faced by freelancers in developing countries. This could include more lenient measures regarding VPN usage or alternative verification methods.
- Awareness and Training:
- Freelancers should be educated about the risks associated with VPN usage and provided with training on best practices for maintaining account security and compliance with platform policies.
- Collaborative Solutions:
- Collaboration between freelancers, government bodies, and international platforms is essential to develop solutions that address both technical and regulatory challenges. Initiatives such as public-private partnerships could be explored to enhance internet infrastructure and support the freelance ecosystem.
Conclusion
The current situation faced by Pakistani freelancers underscores the critical importance of reliable internet connectivity for the digital economy. While the immediate impact is challenging, it also presents an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and build a more resilient and supportive environment for freelancers. Ensuring stable internet access and fair platform policies will be key to sustaining the growth and success of Pakistan’s vibrant freelance community.
