The dawn of the information age in the early 1990s ushered in a transformative era for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in developed markets. This period saw the foundations of the modern digital economy being established through the rise of the internet, personal computing, and advanced telecommunications infrastructure. These elements paved the way for the exponential expansion of several ICT companies, many of which have since become the tech giants we know and admire today.
However, while the ICT industry was booming in the developed world, Pakistan’s digital landscape remained in its infancy during this time. Limited telecom infrastructure, outdated equipment, and slow, high-cost internet access meant that the benefits of the information age were largely restricted to large businesses, academic institutions, and government entities. It was not until 1995, with the introduction of dial-up services by private internet service providers like Supernet Limited, that Pakistan began its journey towards a more connected future.
In the decades since, Pakistan’s internet landscape has evolved significantly, with the widespread adoption of mobile broadband outpacing even fixed broadband technology.Â
This raises an intriguing question: Why then did Supernet Limited, a pioneer of the dial-up era, decide to acquire Fixed Local Loop (FLL) licenses? To understand Supernet’s strategic move, Profit delves into the company’s story, shedding light on its operations and the factors shaping its evolution within Pakistan’s rapidly transforming ICT landscape. The content in this publication is expensive to produce. But unlike other journalistic outfits, business publications have to cover the very organizations that directly give them advertisements. Hence, this large source of revenue, which is the lifeblood of other media houses, is severely compromised on account of Profit’s no-compromise policy when it comes to our reporting. No wonder, Profit has lost multiple ad deals, worth tens of millions of rupees, due to stories that held big businesses to account. Hence, for our work to continue unfettered, it must be supported by discerning readers who know the value of quality business journalism, not just for the economy but for the society as a whole.To read the full article, subscribe and support independent business journalism in Pakistan
