Rumours of a nationwide internet outage spread rapidly across social media platforms on Wednesday, prompting concern among users across Pakistan. Many netizens shared claims of disruptions and slow connectivity, which led to speculation about a possible breakdown of services.
However, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority moved quickly to clarify the situation and rejected the reports. In a post on X, the regulator stated that information regarding any disruption of internet services on 15 January was incorrect and lacked a factual basis.
The PTA assured the public that internet services across the country remain stable and fully operational. Moreover, the authority explained that routine maintenance on the submarine cable was currently underway. It stressed that this technical activity would not affect overall connectivity. As a result, officials urged users to rely on verified sources rather than unconfirmed online claims. The clarification helped alleviate anxiety among consumers who heavily rely on digital services for work, education, and communication.
Connectivity challenges persist despite recent improvements
Although the PTA denied the latest outage rumours, internet disruptions and slow speeds have become familiar issues in recent years. Authorities have often attributed these challenges to factors such as undersea cable maintenance, limited spectrum availability, and security-related measures. Consequently, users continue to demand more reliable and faster connectivity nationwide.
In response to these concerns, the Economic Coordination Committee approved the auction of 600 MHz spectrum last month. Officials believe this step will improve mobile internet speeds and support the rollout of 5G services in Pakistan. However, global comparisons still highlight performance gaps. According to the Ookla Speedtest Global Index, Pakistan ranked 97th worldwide for mobile internet speed in November, with an average of 24.79 Mbps. The ranking fell to 146th for fixed broadband, where average download speeds measured only 18.27 Mbps.
Nevertheless, Pakistan has taken significant steps to expand capacity. In November 2025, the country launched the SEA-ME-WE 6 submarine cable system, a 19,200-kilometre high-capacity fibre network linking major digital hubs between Singapore and France. The system offers over 100 terabits per second of total capacity, while Pakistan has secured 13.2 Tbps, with 4 Tbps already activated to support the growing digital economy.
