The people of Hundur last village of Ghizer held a protest rally against the suspension of 4G services in their region for over three months. The rally, organized by local youth groups, market committees, social workers, and women, started from the main market of Hundur and proceeded through Hundur Bala, concluding with a gathering at Polo Ground. A protest session was also held in the main market where participants voiced their concerns.
During the gathering, SCO (Special Communications Organization) users issued a stern warning to the authorities: restore 4G services within a week or face further public agitation, including road blockades and a campaign to burn SCOM SIM cards. The protest leaders, including Chairman Ali Ashraf, Aslam Inqilabi, Mubashir Shafi, Pyar Ali Advocate, and Gulsumber Khan, expressed their strong dissatisfaction over the prolonged disruption of services.
This peaceful protest highlighted the solidarity and determination of Hundur residents in demanding their digital rights. Participants emphasized that further delays in restoring services would force them to take stricter actions.
The situation in Hundur reflects the growing global importance of digital connectivity. However, it also raises questions about the management of telecom services in remote regions. Here’s how similar issues are handled in other countries:
Japan: A Leader in Connectivity
Japan stands out as a global leader in telecommunications, consistently providing uninterrupted and high-speed internet services even in rural areas. The government has heavily invested in infrastructure to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that remote regions are not left behind. Protests over prolonged service disruptions are rare, as the country prioritizes reliability and customer satisfaction.
In contrast, Hundur’s case highlights gaps in infrastructure and responsiveness. Prolonged outages in regions like Hundur not only disrupt daily life but also hinder education, business, and communication, emphasizing the need for better governance.
South Korea: Proactive in Resolving Disruptions
South Korea, another leader in technology, takes swift action when service disruptions occur. Telecom companies face strict penalties for prolonged outages, and public grievances are addressed through government-backed regulatory bodies. Unlike Hundur, where citizens felt compelled to stage protests, South Korean citizens have institutional mechanisms to ensure their concerns are heard and addressed.
Europe: Ensuring Accountability
In European countries, telecom companies are held accountable for service disruptions. Consumer rights organizations and legal frameworks ensure timely restoration of services, with compensation offered to affected users. Public protests over service interruptions are uncommon because of the effective communication between service providers and consumers.
The Need for Reform in Hundur
Hundur’s protest underscores the essential nature of digital connectivity in today’s world. The lack of reliable 4G services not only isolates the region but also hampers its socio-economic growth. For areas like Hundur, adopting global best practices is essential:
Improved Infrastructure: Investments in robust infrastructure to ensure consistent service delivery in remote regions.
Accountability Mechanisms: Telecom providers should face penalties for prolonged outages, ensuring accountability.
Consumer Rights: Establishing grievance redressal systems to address customer concerns without the need for protests.
Government Support: Policies to prioritize digital inclusion, similar to initiatives in Japan and South Korea.
The peaceful protest in Hundur demonstrates the public’s resolve to fight for their digital rights. By learning from other countries, Hundur and similar regions can build a future where connectivity is reliable, and protests like these become a thing of the past.
