THE internet has changed the world. Today, we rely on internet services more than ever — ranging from paying our utility bills to keeping in touch with those near and dear to us. The IT ministry and Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited make tall claims regarding the provision of fastest services even to the remotely areas, but the tale of district Hafizabad is different.

The peripheral telephone exchanges of the district still run on antiquated copper lines and speed more than 1MB cannot be attained. Subscribers are paying a good amount, say one could get 8MB in Rs2,000 but we have to pay Rs1,600 for 2MB because speed more than 2Mb is not attainable.

The ministry and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority should take note of such discrimination. Constitutional provisions call for equal treatment and provision of services to all citizens. I hope better sense prevails and people of Hafizabad might enjoy a faster internet speed in the near future.

Dr Ali Nasim Chattha
Hafizabad

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2019