PTCL issues update on ongoing submarine cable repair

KARACHI: The Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has said that the repair work has been completed on the submarine cable.

PTCL had warned internet consumers that the connection may slow down or face temporary disruption for up to 18 hours due to maintenance work on the country’s undersea communication network.

PTCL reports that when the repair work was finished, operations on the impacted cable portion were completely resumed.

Internet speed and nationwide connection have been restored.

However, officials and consumers complained that internet services in Karachi are still performing slowly even after repairs were completed, and that users are still having trouble posting and downloading information on different social media sites.

Earlier, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) published a draft license framework for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS), paving the way for foreign and local satellite internet operators to officially enter Pakistan.

It should further ease entry for the likes of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite operators.

This is being viewed by industry experts as the breakthrough point that will revolutionize digital connectivity, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions.

According to PTA, the draft FSS license incorporates extensive feedback received from stakeholders during the consultation process in February 2025.

The draft license outlines a non-exclusive framework under which companies will be allowed to establish, maintain, and operate satellite systems in Pakistan.