PTCL Shares Updates on Submarine Cable Repair, Internet Services Restored Nationwide
KARACHI: The Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has confirmed the completion of repair work on the faulty repeater in Pakistan’s submarine communication cable, restoring internet connectivity across most regions of the country.
According to a PTCL spokesperson, the maintenance operation—which began on Tuesday and was expected to last up to 18 hours—has been successfully completed, and the affected cable segment is now fully operational. The company stated that internet speed and connectivity have largely been restored for users across Pakistan.
However, despite the completion of the repairs, internet services in Karachi continue to face intermittent slowdowns, with users reporting difficulty uploading and downloading content on various social media platforms, according to officials and user feedback.
Earlier, PTCL had warned users of possible disruptions due to essential maintenance work on the undersea cable network, which forms a critical part of Pakistan’s global internet infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced plans to issue licenses for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) as part of its strategy to expand high-speed internet access across Pakistan. The initiative aims to attract international companies such as Starlink and Shanghai SpaceCom to provide satellite-based connectivity in remote and underserved areas.
Under the PTA’s plan, licensed operators will be allowed to set up ground-based gateway stations and Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs), with each license valid for 15 years and requiring a USD 500,000 fee. Service rollout must begin within 18 months of approval, the authority confirmed.
PTCL warns of 18-hour internet slowdown in Pakistan
