A significant enhancement to Pakistan’s internet infrastructure is currently underway, with a planned international connectivity capacity of 26.5 terabits per second (Tbps) through five international submarine cables. This expansion, which aims to improve the country’s internet speed and reliability, was outlined in a written reply by Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, to the National Assembly.
The new connectivity is being facilitated through five submarine cables: AFRICA 1, SMW6, 2AFRICA, PEACE, and the Makran Gulf Gateway (MGG-1). Each of these cables is operated by different companies, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s growing international bandwidth. AFRICA 1, operated by PTCL, will have a planned capacity of 6.5 Tbps, while SMW6, managed by Transworld Associates (TWA), is set to provide 6 Tbps. The 2AFRICA cable, also run by TWA, will add 10 Tbps of bandwidth to Pakistan’s international internet capacity. The PEACE cable, operated by LINKdotNET, will bring an additional 2 Tbps, and the Makran Gulf Gateway (MGG-1), managed by Cybernet, will contribute another 2 Tbps.
According to Minister Shaza Fatima, a permit in principle (PIP) has already been issued for all five cables. The 2AFRICA cable has already reached Pakistan, with the remaining cables still in the planning and installation phase. This increase in international connectivity is expected to alleviate bottlenecks, reduce latency, and boost the country’s internet performance, especially for data-heavy activities such as video streaming, online gaming, and cloud-based services.
Pakistani government is not only focusing on improving international bandwidth but is also making significant strides in satellite-based connectivity. This shift aims to bridge the gap in internet access, especially in underserved and remote areas. Until recently, satellite networks in Pakistan primarily offered bandwidth services. However, a new development will allow for Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) satellite services, which were previously unavailable in the country.
In January 2024, the government introduced the National Space Policy, followed by the Pakistan Space Activities Rules in February 2024, with the goal of facilitating the growth of satellite services in Pakistan. One of the major steps taken by the government was to initiate consultations with industry stakeholders and the government regarding Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) licensing. This initiative is expected to make satellite internet accessible to areas that are currently underserved or completely lacking in connectivity.
As part of these efforts, PTA has also drafted a Single License framework for FSS. This framework will regulate direct-to-consumer satellite internet services, ensuring that the introduction of satellite internet does not interfere with existing wireless internet (WI) and local loop (LL) license holders. The draft license is now under consultation, and once finalized, it will pave the way for a new era of satellite-based internet operations in the country. The regulatory framework is designed not only to encourage investment in satellite technology but also to expand connectivity to Pakistan’s most remote and rural areas.
PSARB is tasked with overseeing all local and foreign satellite service providers, in line with the Pakistan Space Activities Rules-2024. Starlink, the popular satellite-based internet provider, has already applied for registration with PSARB. The application is currently undergoing a technical evaluation, and once Starlink completes its registration and secures clearance from the Ministry of Interior, PTA will issue a license for its operation in Pakistan. The exact timeline for Starlink’s operational approval is still uncertain as the regulatory process continues.
Alongside these advancements, the government is also addressing network security concerns to ensure improved internet performance. One of the challenges identified is the excessive use of VPNs, which has resulted in traffic being diverted from Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to the mainstream internet, leading to slower speeds and inefficiencies. To combat this issue, the PTA is processing additional VPN registrations to help optimize routing and improve Quality of Service (QoS). Furthermore, the government has also acknowledged the impact of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which have contributed to network slowdowns. In response, internet service providers are implementing measures to mitigate the effects of these attacks and improve the overall reliability of the network.
With the combination of enhanced international bandwidth, satellite connectivity expansion, and strengthened security measures, Pakistan is poised to significantly improve its internet infrastructure in the coming years. These efforts not only aim to provide better service to existing users but also to connect underserved regions, fostering greater access to the digital world for all Pakistanis. The government’s commitment to improving internet connectivity is a key element in Pakistan’s broader digital transformation strategy, one that is likely to have long-lasting economic and social impacts.
