- Meta is installing a 45,000-km underwater cable to connect Karachi with 33 countries.
- The cable will enhance bandwidth, reduce latency, and boost digital access for Pakistani users.
- Monetization for Pakistani content creators on Meta platforms is in progress.
Meta to Boost Pakistan’s Internet Speed!
Simon Milner, Meta’s Vice President of Public Policy for the Asia Pacific region, recently sat down with Talha Ahad from The Centrum Media (TCM) to delve into Meta’s initiatives aimed at supporting innovation and nurturing responsible digital citizenship among the youth in Pakistan. Their conversation covered a range of topics, including Meta’s plans for the country’s creator economy, the role of artificial intelligence (AI), and upcoming infrastructure investments to enhance Pakistan’s global connectivity.
Enhancing global connectivity with underwater cable
One of the most significant developments discussed was Meta’s plan to boost Pakistan’s global connectivity by installing a 45,000-kilometer underwater cable. This project will connect Karachi to 33 countries across Africa and the Middle East to improve bandwidth, reduce latency, and enhance overall digital connectivity. The cable is expected to be operational by 2025 and will benefit millions of Pakistani users, including content creators who rely on platforms like Facebook and Instagram for their work.
Milner emphasized that this infrastructure would ensure faster and more reliable access to Meta’s services. “Provided that services are allowed to run freely here,” he remarked, the initiative would have a transformative impact on Pakistan’s digital ecosystem. This advancement is particularly crucial for creators and users, who will experience seamless connectivity and improved access to digital tools, including Meta’s AI-driven technologies.
AI Innovation and Llama AI Initiative
Meta’s commitment to AI innovation in Pakistan was also a central topic of conversation. Milner discussed the company’s Llama AI initiative, which aims to empower local developers and foster technological advancements in the region. Pakistan was one of the first countries to benefit from this initiative, with a recent AI competition showcasing the country’s growing talent pool.
The competition, conducted in collaboration with the National Information Technology Board (NITB), Ignite, and the Ministry of IT, attracted over 100 applicants. Innovative solutions, such as literacy tools for non-literate individuals and AI systems to reduce court case backlogs, were among the highlighted projects. The winning team will represent Pakistan in Singapore, competing for a $100,000 grant with participants from 12 other Asian countries.
Also Read: Huawei Dominates Foldable Phone Market in China: Report
“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” Milner said, highlighting Meta’s role in nurturing Pakistan’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. He emphasized the long-term potential of AI-driven solutions to contribute significantly to Pakistan’s economy and global technological landscape.
Strategic Partnerships with the Government
Milner also touched on Meta’s growing partnership with the Pakistani government, particularly in the realm of AI deployment to foster economic growth and digital safety. In his discussions with government officials, including Minister Shaza, Milner noted their excitement about the possibilities AI brings to streamline economic inefficiencies and create job opportunities.
The enthusiasm from the government reflects a shared vision to harness the power of AI for the country’s benefit. Milner commended the proactive approach taken by Pakistani leaders, expressing optimism about the future of AI-driven development and its impact on both the economy and society at large.
Monetization for Pakistani Creators
One of the most eagerly anticipated announcements from Milner was related to Meta’s progress toward enabling monetization for Pakistani content creators. This feature would allow creators in Pakistan to earn revenue from their digital content, similar to how creators in other regions already benefit.
While acknowledging that legal and banking challenges have delayed the rollout, Milner assured listeners that Meta is actively working to address these issues. He highlighted the complexities involved in integrating local banking regulations with Meta’s global payment systems but expressed hope that these obstacles would soon be overcome.
Also Read: WhatsApp Privacy Checkup Feature Offers Quicker Access for Android!
“We are making progress and are hopeful that we will be able to launch monetization soon,” Milner said. He emphasized that this development would open up new revenue streams for Pakistani creators, providing them with the opportunity to monetize their work on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. “This is a work in progress that is hopefully going to lead to a positive conclusion pretty soon,” he added.
Conclusion
Meta’s efforts in Pakistan, as outlined by Simon Milner, signal a promising future for the country’s digital ecosystem. From enhancing global connectivity with an undersea cable to driving AI innovation and creating new opportunities for content creators, Meta is positioning itself as a key player in Pakistan’s tech landscape. With the government’s proactive support and ongoing infrastructure improvements, Pakistan is on the path to becoming a significant contributor to the global digital economy.
