ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Global Service Providers such as Google and Netflix have informed Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) about different steps they have been taking to support and ease out stress on national telecommunications networks in the wake of Coronavirus (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 product features a link to National Institute of Health (NIH), to provide locally relevant information to Pakistani citizens.
It is also offering ad inventory to the Ministry of National Health Services so they can spotlight timely, helpful information.
Google 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 & resources to help teachers and students stay connected.
The global service provider has also launched Bolo a speech-based reading app that uses machine learning to help children read aloud. The app is available in Urdu given school closures. A free English app has been introduced that includes fast & easy lessons on business, marketing, management, and more.
Google has informed that it has been removing COVID-19 misinformation across Google platforms. It is working with governments & network operators to minimize stress on systems. Google has recently announced that it is temporarily defaulting YouTube videos to standard definition.
Similar, Netflix has also 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.
