Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has announced that repair work on the submarine cable segment responsible for recent nationwide internet disruptions has been completed. In an official statement, PTCL confirmed that maintenance on the repeater within the undersea communication network was successfully concluded, allowing data traffic and connectivity to return to normal across most regions of the country. The restoration marks an important step toward stabilizing Pakistan’s internet backbone following several days of intermittent performance issues experienced by users in various cities.
According to PTCL, operations on the affected segment have been fully restored, resulting in improved connectivity and data transmission speeds for the majority of users. However, reports from Karachi indicate that many residents are still facing sluggish internet performance, particularly while accessing social media platforms and uploading or downloading multimedia content. Network engineers have attributed the ongoing slow speeds in some localities to residual traffic congestion and re-routing adjustments that are still being optimized following the submarine cable’s restoration. PTCL teams remain engaged in continuous monitoring to ensure that full network stability is achieved in the coming days.
Earlier, PTCL had issued an advisory cautioning subscribers about possible slowdowns or temporary service interruptions lasting up to 18 hours due to scheduled maintenance on the undersea communication system. The proactive notification aimed to help users anticipate short-term disruptions while essential repairs were carried out. The company emphasized that the maintenance was part of routine international network servicing, which is critical to maintaining the integrity and reliability of high-capacity internet traffic routes that connect Pakistan to the global web infrastructure.
In a related development, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced plans to issue Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) licenses to expand internet access nationwide, particularly in remote and underserved regions. Under this initiative, PTA aims to attract global satellite internet providers such as Starlink and Shanghai SpaceCom to bring advanced connectivity solutions to areas where terrestrial broadband infrastructure is limited. Each FSS license will be valid for 15 years, with a fee of USD 500,000, and successful applicants will be required to roll out services within 18 months of approval. The new licensing framework is expected to enhance competition, drive investment, and promote technological inclusion across Pakistan’s diverse digital landscape.
While PTCL works to stabilize its submarine cable connectivity, PTA’s move toward enabling satellite-based broadband solutions reflects a broader commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s communication ecosystem. Together, these developments demonstrate coordinated efforts by public and private sector stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted, high-quality internet access and build resilience within the country’s digital infrastructure.
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