Internet users across Pakistan are likely to experience slower connectivity on October 14 as maintenance work is scheduled on one of the country’s key submarine cables, according to an advisory from the national telecom authority.
The announcement stated that an international cable consortium will begin maintenance operations to repair a faulty repeater in the submarine cable system. The scheduled activity will start around 11 a.m. (PST) and may continue for approximately 18 hours.
During this period, users may face temporary service degradation, including slower browsing speeds and higher latency. The telecom authority expressed regret for the inconvenience but assured customers that traffic rerouting through alternative systems would help minimize disruptions.
Despite these backup measures, intermittent slowdowns are still expected throughout the maintenance window until the restoration work is complete.
Measures to Minimize Impact
Officials emphasized that efforts are being made to balance network traffic by using available bandwidth from other undersea cable systems. However, as Pakistan’s internet infrastructure relies heavily on multiple international submarine cable networks, any technical fault or scheduled repair in one system can have a ripple effect on national connectivity.
Experts note that this maintenance is part of routine global cable upkeep, ensuring long-term stability and improved data transmission quality. Temporary service interruptions, though inconvenient, are essential for maintaining system health and preventing larger outages in the future.
Pakistan’s Dependence on Submarine Cables
Pakistan’s broadband ecosystem connects to the global internet primarily through several undersea cable systems operated by international consortiums. These cables handle nearly all international data traffic, linking Pakistan to hubs in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
Disruptions in any single cable can impact overall bandwidth availability, which is why network providers frequently engage in load balancing and traffic rerouting during maintenance operations.
Industry analysts highlight that with growing data consumption and increased demand for high-speed connectivity, Pakistan must continue to diversify its cable network infrastructure to strengthen internet resilience and minimize downtime risks.
What Users Can Expect
Users may encounter temporary slow browsing, buffering while streaming, or delays in cloud-based applications between the morning and late-night hours of October 14. Once maintenance concludes, normal internet speed is expected to resume without further action required from subscribers.
The telecom authority advised users to plan ahead for potential disruptions, particularly those engaged in remote work, online learning, or business operations that depend on stable connectivity.
This proactive notification aims to ensure transparency and help citizens manage expectations while essential maintenance is carried out.
