ISLAMABAD: Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud have unveiled a new managed service that allows customers to create private, high-speed connections between the two platforms — a breakthrough that removes reliance on the public internet and promises major gains in speed, stability, and security.
The move marks a significant shift in multicloud operations and could deliver substantial benefits for Pakistan’s rapidly growing digital economy.
Designed to bypass the public internet, the system promises faster data transfers, lower latency, and simpler multicloud deployments — a shift that could unlock significant benefits for Pakistan’s rapidly expanding digital sector.
Pakistan’s businesses increasingly rely on a mix of Google and Amazon tools — from analytics, mapping, and AI capabilities on Google to core applications, hosting, and payments on AWS. However, data transfers between the two usually travel through public networks, where slow speeds and instability often affect critical services such as mobile banking, online shopping, and fintech transactions.
The introduction of private, dedicated links between the two cloud providers offers a potential remedy. For companies operating in Pakistan’s challenging network environment, the improvement could translate into smoother user experiences, reduced downtime and more reliable digital platforms.
Banks, Startups, and Exporters among Key Beneficiaries
The financial sector stands to gain substantially. With faster and more predictable cross-cloud traffic, banks can strengthen backup systems, support real-time processing during peak hours and enhance overall system resilience.
E-commerce platforms could see more stable checkout processes, quicker inventory updates and improved customer responsiveness. Pakistan’s thriving software and IT export industry — which frequently handles large datasets for global clients — may also benefit from reduced transfer times and fewer workflow disruptions.
Telecom operators and data centres, too, could find new commercial opportunities by offering managed connectivity or hosting solutions that integrate these cross-cloud links.
For startups, particularly those collaborating with international partners and remote teams, simplified routing could reduce development overheads and eliminate costly technical workarounds that smaller firms struggle to maintain.
Connectivity and Regulatory Hurdles Remain
Despite the promise, Pakistan’s longstanding infrastructure challenges continue to pose obstacles. Weak routing, inconsistent international bandwidth, and limited peering arrangements can still slow traffic as it leaves the country.
Without local improvements, businesses may not fully experience the advantages that AWS and Google are enabling globally.
Regulatory issues add another layer of complexity. Private cloud links do not override existing rules regarding data protection, outsourcing or cross-border transfers. Firms handling sensitive information must still maintain strict documentation, robust encryption, and compliance with sector-specific policies.
Clearer regulatory guidance will be crucial to ensure that organisations can adopt these new services without exposing themselves to compliance risks.
Policy Alignment Needed to Capture the Opportunity
For Pakistan, the Amazon–Google initiative represents more than just an upgrade in cloud technology — it is an opportunity to reinforce the digital backbone of its economy. Stronger connectivity can support the ambitions of IT exporters, enhance the stability of financial platforms, modernize telecom and retail systems, and improve access to digital public services.
But to realize these gains, coordination is essential. Policymakers, regulators, internet service providers, and large enterprises will need to work together on infrastructure upgrades, updated compliance frameworks, and pilot deployments.
If both public and private sectors move in sync, Pakistan can position itself to benefit from a global pivot toward more dependable and streamlined multicloud connectivity — a step that could significantly strengthen the country’s digital competitiveness.
