The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has informed the public that repairs to the damaged submarine cable, which has been disrupting internet services, are anticipated to be completed by early October.
Until then, internet speeds are expected to remain slow. The ongoing internet slowdown has led to considerable economic losses, with both the business community and internet service providers (ISPs) blaming the disruptions on government attempts to monitor online traffic.
Recently, Pakistan has faced a sharp decline in internet speeds, frustrating users nationwide. Mobile data connections are faltering, making WhatsApp usage challenging, particularly for sending and downloading media and voice notes. Even broadband services are experiencing slow browsing speeds, disrupting online activities.
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The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has pointed to faults in two submarine cables, SMW4 and AAE-1, as the main reason for the ongoing internet slowdown. The PTA has assured that repairs to the SMW4 cable are expected to be completed by early October, while work on the AAE-1 cable will follow, promising an improvement in internet speeds.
Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja has refuted claims that the government is deliberately causing internet disruptions, explaining that efforts are underway to upgrade the web management system to better address cybersecurity threats.
This update follows a session where PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman faced tough questioning from lawmakers during a National Assembly panel, where he had previously estimated that the cable repairs would be completed by August 27.
Moreover, Pakistan’s sluggish internet speeds could result in substantial economic losses, including Rs12 billion annually, Rs3 billion in diminished telecom revenue, and up to $300 million due to internet disruptions. The situation may also push multinational companies to consider relocating their back offices out of Pakistan.
