No calls, no texts, no data: Pakistan shuts down telecommunications for two days

Mobile networks are blocked across Pakistan for two days (October 23 and 24), according to local media reports, as the government ordered telcos to shut operations because of security concerns. The shutdown affects mobile texts and phone calls, but not landlines and fixed broadband connections.

This kind of shut down is a familiar trend. It comes during the month of Muharram, when Muslim sectarian tensions are at their highest. The government’s rationale is that violent extremists have, in the past, used mobile phones to remotely detonate bombs and create havoc. A complete blackout could potentially forestall such a situation.

But a new publication, titled “Security vs Access: The Impact of Mobile Network Shutdowns”, co-authored by Pakistan-based research group Bytes for All has bitterly criticized this decision. It argues that network shutdowns are a fundamental risk to freedom of expression, and can, conversely, result in a reduction of personal safety and security. It uses the results of a survey conducted a few months ago to outline how ordinary citizens feel frustrated, angry, and isolated when such network shutdowns occur.

According to the report, network shutdowns have a combined deleterious effect spread across society. Access to emergency services is restricted – citizens are unable to call hospitals, police, or fire fighters in case of an eventuality. Describing this as a “key dilemma,” the report says 69 percent of survey respondents did not feel safer as a result of the shutdown.

There are also negative repercussions for small and medium-sized businesses. They’re unable to access data stored in the cloud or communicate with remote workers. Professions such as journalists are affected as filing stories in time becomes an impossible task. Students cannot access educational materials and even the banking sector suffers, as mobile transactions are restricted.

The report goes on to argue that Pakistan has suffered immense economic repercussions as a result of these shutdowns. It estimates average losses of PKR 500 million (US$49 million) for each day that mobile networks are unavailable. It calls for a clearer framework and process around accountability and transparency of network shutdowns.

The full report can be viewed here.

The article was updated to reflect that some parts of the country may still have connectivity.

What do you think of this network outage? Let us know in the comments.