Google and Netflix Help Pakistan Lower Burden on its Telecom Networks

Global Service Providers including Google and Netflix have informed Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) about the steps they have taken to support and ease out the stress on national telecommunications networks in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Google has introduced new features and resources to provide locally relevant information to Pakistani users. These include the expansion of COVID-19 SOS Alerts and Knowledge Panels on Google Search, as well as YouTube Information Panels. These products feature a link to the National Institute of Health (NIH) to provide locally relevant information to Pakistani citizens.

Google is also offering ad inventory to the Ministry of National Health Services so they can spotlight timely, helpful information.

The search engine giant has informed that it has also shared tips and resources for remote workers and students enabling them to improve their productivity. These include a new collection of distance learning solutions, training, and resources to help teachers and students stay connected.

It has also launched Bolo a speech-based reading app that uses machine learning to help children read aloud using their own voice. The app is available in Urdu given the school closures. A free English app has been introduced that includes fast and easy lessons on business, marketing, management, and more.

Google has further informed that it has been removing misinformation and abuse related to COVID- 19 across its platforms. It is working with governments and network operators to minimize stress on the systems. As part of this, the company has announced that it is temporarily defaulting all videos on YouTube to standard definition.

Similarly, Netflix has informed that in order to reduce its traffic on telecommunication networks in Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic it has developed ways to reduce Netflix’s traffic on telecommunications networks by 25% while also maintaining the quality of service. This will be applicable for 30 days and will be re-evaluated after this duration ends.