As the digital age reshapes economies across Pakistan, small towns like Dhanote, located in South Punjab, are becoming key areas for innovation. With increasing demand for digital infrastructure, several internet projects have been launched. However, the road to connectivity is not without barriers.
From outdated infrastructure to human capital gaps, new internet in Dhanote faces a mix of systemic and local challenges. Platforms such as Internet in Dhanote aim to overcome these with innovation and community-centered solutions.
Limited Digital Infrastructure
Quick Answer: Dhanote lacks sufficient fiber-optic infrastructure and reliable power sources for sustainable internet deployment.
Despite government initiatives, Dhanote still relies heavily on:
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Copper-based DSL connections
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Unstable power grids
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Minimal broadband penetration
Without widespread fiber-optic installation, latency and upload/download speeds remain low. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), regions like Dhanote lag behind cities like Multan or Bahawalpur in broadband coverage by 40–50%.
“Access is the first step. But without modern infrastructure, access remains a promise,” says a regional STZA consultant.
Lack of Local Technical Expertise
Quick Answer: Dhanote’s youth need skill development to manage and scale internet-based projects.
Several digital programs by NAVTTC and Ignite have reached Multan and Bahawalpur, but Dhanote’s access remains limited. This results in:
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Few trained IT professionals
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Limited tech maintenance personnel
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Dependency on out-of-town contractors
As a result, when Project in Dhanote experiences downtime or technical issues, resolution is often delayed. To combat this, some community organizations have begun local training workshops, but widespread impact remains to be seen.
Funding and Investment Gaps
Quick Answer: Private and public investment in Dhanote’s digital sector remains inconsistent.
Unlike major cities, Dhanote struggles with attracting:
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Foreign tech investors
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Local venture capital
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Public-private partnerships
While some funds have been allocated under the STZA South Punjab Development Framework, the disbursement is often delayed due to bureaucratic bottlenecks. Local startups under the Project in Dhanote umbrella continue to face funding shortfalls, limiting their capacity to scale.
Awareness and Digital Literacy Issues
Quick Answer: Many residents are unaware of internet benefits, leading to low adoption rates in Dhanote.
In South Punjab’s rural settings:
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Over 50% of the adult population has never used the internet.
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Women and the elderly remain digitally disconnected.
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Cybersecurity awareness is minimal.
This makes digital services underutilized, even when available. Public sessions, radio campaigns, and door-to-door awareness initiatives are underway to educate residents on safe and productive internet usage.
Regulatory and Policy Barriers
Quick Answer: Policy ambiguity and administrative delays obstruct new internet rollouts in Dhanote.
Stakeholders often cite:
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Delays in license approvals
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High tax burdens on internet equipment
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Inconsistent regulatory enforcement
Without local facilitation centers, operators behind Internet in Dhanote must navigate provincial hurdles from Multan or Lahore, delaying project timelines. The PTA has proposed a localized digital facilitation desk, but implementation remains pending.
Inadequate Support for Women in Tech
Quick Answer: Gender-specific barriers limit women’s participation in Dhanote’s digital economy.
Challenges include:
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Cultural resistance to women working in tech
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Lack of secure training spaces
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Limited digital education for girls in public schools
Programs like DigiSkills and eRozgaar have launched women-focused cohorts in Bahawalpur, but have yet to reach full potential in Dhanote. Inclusion of women is vital for the success of community internet projects.
Power Outages and Environmental Factors
Quick Answer: Frequent load shedding and harsh weather conditions disrupt service consistency in Dhanote.
Dhanote experiences:
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Up to 10 hours of daily load shedding in summer
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Seasonal storms affecting telecommunication towers
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Equipment overheating due to lack of ventilation infrastructure
Many internet projects must rely on backup generators or solar systems, increasing operational costs. Recent proposals suggest energy-efficient towers and renewable-powered relay points, which are under feasibility review.
High Cost of Equipment and Maintenance
Quick Answer: Import duties and transport expenses raise project costs in rural tech initiatives like Dhanote’s.
Even basic devices such as routers, switches, and network extenders are:
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Expensive due to import taxes
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Hard to procure locally
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Costly to maintain due to distance from service centers
This adds burden to project managers, especially those running lean operations like Project in Dhanote. Suggestions include duty exemptions for rural tech expansion, but no such policy is active yet.
Inconsistent Government Support
Quick Answer: While STZA and PITB show interest, sustained engagement in Dhanote’s internet growth is missing.
Short-term pilot programs often lack:
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Long-term follow-up
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Progress audits
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Community integration
The 2023 South Punjab Tech Policy highlighted Dhanote as a potential digital sub-zone, but the policy is yet to translate into consistent ground activity. Collaboration between Dhanote, Multan, and Bahawalpur digital taskforces is proposed for better project continuity.
FAQs
1. Why is internet development in Dhanote important?
Dhanote’s growing population and strategic location in South Punjab make it ideal for digital inclusion and economic uplift.
2. What are the main problems internet projects face in Dhanote?
Infrastructure gaps, policy delays, lack of funding, and digital illiteracy are key hurdles.
3. How is the government supporting internet projects in South Punjab?
Through programs like STZA, Ignite, and PITB—but Dhanote receives less attention compared to urban areas.
4. Can women benefit from internet development in Dhanote?
Yes, with adequate support and safe learning environments, women can participate in freelancing and tech jobs.
5. Are there any local training programs for internet skills in Dhanote?
A few workshops have begun, but large-scale, consistent training programs are still needed.
6. How does weather affect internet in Dhanote?
Extreme heat and power outages often lead to service disruptions, requiring resilient infrastructure.
7. What is being done to improve digital literacy in Dhanote?
Awareness campaigns, school programs, and community training are being piloted by NGOs and local startups.
Final Thought
As a researcher and native of South Punjab, I’ve observed that Dhanote’s challenges are real, but not insurmountable. The town has the youth, ambition, and drive to thrive digitally—but it needs reliable internet, consistent government support, and community-led innovation.
Platforms like Internet in Dhanote show how local efforts can ignite national progress. If we amplify these initiatives, replicate successful models from Multan and Bahawalpur, and build a tailored strategy for towns like Dhanote, we can unlock the full digital potential of Pakistan’s overlooked heartlands.
