Internet users across Pakistan may experience slower speeds today due to undersea cable repairs. The Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) announced scheduled maintenance to fix a fault in one of its underwater cables. This repair will begin around 11 a.m. and could last up to 18 hours. During this time, internet speed reductions are expected nationwide, affecting all mobile and internet service providers.
PTCL oversees three undersea fiber optic cables that connect Pakistan to the global internet. In total, six undersea cable systems provide the country with a combined capacity of 13 terabits per second. Currently, Pakistan’s internet usage ranges between 7 to 8 terabits per second. The company did not specify which cable will undergo maintenance but confirmed the repair is part of an international cable consortium effort.
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A senior official from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said cable networks usually keep 30 to 40 percent extra capacity. This reserve helps redirect internet traffic immediately if a system faces any failure or disruption. However, the ongoing repair will temporarily reduce this buffer and impact internet speeds.
To meet rising mobile data demands and prepare for upcoming 5G services, Pakistan has joined the AA-2 undersea cable system project. This new cable is expected to connect to Pakistan’s network by the end of 2025. Once operational, it will increase the country’s internet capacity to 14 terabits per second, improving overall connectivity.
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Meanwhile, internet users, especially in upper Punjab and parts of Islamabad already facing disruptions due to political unrest, should expect slower service today. Authorities advise users to prepare for potential delays and outages as repairs continue.