In an age where digital access is considered a basic necessity, unreliable internet services and high costs have created significant barriers, especially for students and the middle-income population. The online education system in Pakistan, which gained importance after recent global shifts toward digital learning, has not been very encouraging. One of the primary reasons is the inconsistent and weak internet infrastructure. Students often face frequent disconnections, slow browsing speeds and interrupted live sessions. This not only disrupts learning but also discourages students from relying on online platforms for their education. The high cost of internet packages further aggravates the situation. Internet services are offered at rates that are unaffordable for ordinary citizens.
A monthly internet package costing over Rs2500 is a significant burden for low- and middle-income families. As a result, many households are forced to limit their internet usage, which directly affects students who depend on it for their studies. This situation not only hampers the growth of online education but also widens the gap between those who can afford quality digital services and those who cannot. There is an urgent need for improvement in internet infrastructure and regulation of pricing to ensure that digital services become accessible, reliable and affordable for all citizens.
Shaukat Hayat Buneri
Buner
