Internet users across Pakistan may face slower online connectivity over the coming days after PTCL
announced scheduled maintenance work on one of its international submarine internet cables.
According to the company, the maintenance activity will begin on May 11 and could continue until May 18.
PTCL Issues Service Advisory
In a public statement shared on social media, PTCL said the maintenance is being carried out by an international cable consortium to repair a fault in one of the submarine cables used for internet connectivity.
The company warned that customers may experience:
- Reduced internet speeds
- Service degradation during peak evening hours
- Temporary connectivity disruptions in some areas
PTCL added that it regrets the inconvenience and is working to complete the maintenance process as quickly as possible.
Second Connectivity Disruption in Recent Months
This is the second time in recent months that users have been warned about possible internet degradation linked to submarine cable maintenance.
Earlier this year, PTCL had also conducted maintenance work between April 14 and April 20, during which many users reported slower browsing speeds and network instability.
Submarine cables are critical infrastructure for global internet traffic, and faults or repairs can significantly affect connectivity in countries heavily dependent on international bandwidth routes.
Impact on Users and Businesses
Internet slowdowns can particularly affect:
- Remote workers
- Students attending online classes
- Businesses relying on cloud services
- Streaming and gaming users
- Digital payment and communication systems
Even temporary degradation during evening hours can impact users when internet demand is at its highest.
Pakistan Set to Boost Internet Speeds with New Submarine Cables
Pakistan’s Expanding Digital Infrastructure
The maintenance announcement comes shortly after Pakistan began rolling out early 5G services in selected areas.
Last month, telecom companies started deploying 5G infrastructure after receiving spectrum licences during an official ceremony attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Earlier in March, the government completed a major spectrum auction that generated approximately $507 million through the sale of 480 MHz spectrum, including the important 2,600 MHz band used for 5G technology.
Why Submarine Cables Matter
Pakistan’s internet connectivity largely depends on undersea fiber-optic cables that connect the country to global internet networks. These cables carry massive volumes of international data traffic and are essential for maintaining stable internet services.
Any fault, maintenance, or disruption affecting these systems can lead to slower browsing speeds, higher latency, and temporary interruptions for millions of users.
While PTCL has described the issue as temporary maintenance work, users across Pakistan may still experience slower internet performance during the coming week, especially during busy evening periods. The development also highlights the country’s continued dependence on international submarine cable infrastructure even as digital expansion and 5G deployment continue.
