The telecom regulator revealed that one of the damaged cables resulted in a substantial 250GB outage as traffic was rerouted through Iran and Qatar. The second cable sustained damage near Karachi. In response, telecom operators have been rerouting internet traffic to the remaining operational cables to maintain service continuity.
The PTA is actively monitoring the situation, ensuring that teams are working diligently to repair the damaged cables. The regulator assured that internet speeds would normalize as soon as the faults are resolved and promised to keep the public informed of any further developments.
National Firewall System and Recent Disruptions
In a related update, PTA Chairman Major General (retired) Hafeez Ur Rehman addressed the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, clarifying that the ongoing internet disruptions were primarily due to the submarine cable faults and not related to the recent installation of a National Firewall System (NFS). The NFS was established as part of efforts to manage social media content and enhance national security, following a decision made during the previous government’s tenure.
Multiple Factors Behind Internet Slowdowns
Additionally, the PTA outlined several other factors contributing to recent internet slowdowns. These include an error by an internet company on July 31, a cyberattack coinciding with Day India’s National 15 August, and the widespread use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which also affect internet speeds. The Lahore High Court is currently hearing a petition regarding the unannounced internet disruptions.
The PTA is committed to resolving these issues and restoring internet services to their full capacity by the end of August.
Pakistan Faces Major Internet Disruptions as Two Submarine Cables Develop Faults
Pakistan is currently grappling with widespread internet disruptions following damage to two of the seven submarine cables that connect the country to the global internet. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has confirmed that these faults have significantly affected internet speeds nationwide, causing inconvenience for millions of users.
Details of Disruption
The PTA reported that one of the submarine cables experienced a massive 250GB outage due to traffic rerouting through Iran and Qatar. The other cable was damaged near Karachi, further exacerbating the situation. Telecom operators are actively rerouting traffic through the remaining operational cables to mitigate the impact on users.
Efforts to Resolve the Issue
Teams are working round the clock to repair the damaged cables and restore normal internet speeds. The PTA is closely monitoring the situation and has assured the public that they will be informed of any developments. The authority expects the issue to be resolved by August 27, 2024.
National Firewall System Not to Blame
Amid concerns over the recent installation of the National Firewall System (NFS), the PTA clarified that the current disruptions are unrelated to the NFS. PTA Chairman Major General (retired) Hafeez Ur Rehman addressed the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, emphasizing that the NFS was installed to manage social media content and enhance national security, following directives from the federal cabinet.
Multiple Factors Contributing to Internet Slowdowns
The PTA identified several other factors contributing to the ongoing internet issues. These include an error by an internet service provider on July 31, a cyberattack on August 15 coinciding with India’s National Day, and the widespread use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). These issues have collectively strained the country’s internet infrastructure, leading to significant slowdowns.
The Lahore High Court is currently hearing a petition against the unannounced internet disruptions, further highlighting the severity of the issue.
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Updates
The PTA remains committed to restoring internet services to their full capacity and ensuring that the public stays informed throughout the process. Users are advised to stay updated with official communications from the PTA as the situation evolves.
