Document Exposes Real Culprit Behind Internet Disruptions in Pakistan This Year
Pakistan has been grappling with significant internet disruptions this year, primarily due to multiple submarine cable faults that have resulted in a staggering 1,750 Gbps shortfall in data capacity, as outlined in documents obtained by ProPakistani.
Overview of Internet Disruptions
Throughout 2024, Pakistan faced four notable incidents of submarine cable failures that impacted internet services across the nation. The documents reveal a breakdown of these incidents, including two minor and two major faults.
- February 2024: The SEAMEWE-5 cable suffered a cut near Egypt.
- June 17, 2024: A severance of the SEAMEWE-4 cable near Karachi caused a massive 1,500 Gbps loss in data capacity.
- July 31, 2024: A fault in PTCL’s system configuration further exacerbated network disruptions.
- August 17, 2024: The AAE-1 cable failed, resulting in an additional 250 Gbps shortfall in internet services.
Over the past four years, Pakistan has experienced nine submarine cable failures, underscoring the country’s vulnerability to such disruptions. Currently, Pakistan connects to the global internet through seven submarine cables managed by PTCL, Transworld, and Cybernet.
Pakistan’s Submarine Cables and Utilized Capacity (Gbps)
| Operator | Name of Cable | Utilized Capacity (Gbps) |
|---|---|---|
| PTCL | SMW 3 | 10.8 |
| PTCL | SMW 4 | 1501 |
| PTCL | IMEWE | 1822 |
| PTCL | AAE-1 | 3122 |
| TWA | SMW 5 | 1680 |
| TWA | TW 1 | 1560 |
| CyberNet | PEACE | 440 |
| Total | 10,146 |
These cables are essential for Pakistan’s internet connectivity, supporting the country’s total internet capacity of 10,146 Mbps. In the event of a cable disruption, operators must notify the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) within two hours.
Internet Service Providers and Their Challenges
Pakistan boasts 293 FLL operators that provide internet services nationwide, alongside 180 data CVAS operators that depend on FLL infrastructure for last-mile connectivity. In total, there are 473 internet service providers operating in the country.
Major Submarine Cable Faults in the Past 4 Years
| Time | Submarine Cable/System | Type and Location of Fault | Impact | Resolution Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Aug 2024 | AAE-1 | Maintenance activity | Ongoing disruption in internet services | By 27 Aug 2024 |
| 31 July 2024 | PTCL System | Error in route configuration | Few hours disruption | Resolved |
| 17 June 2024 | SEAMEWE-4 | Offshore near Karachi (undersea cable cut) | Ongoing disruption (1500 Gbps reduction) | By end September 2024 |
| February 2024 | SEAMEWE-5 | Egypt, land cable cut | Few hours disruption | Resolved |
| April 2023 | AAE-1 | France, land cable cut | Few hours | Resolved |
| November 2022 | SEAMEWE-5 | Egypt, land cable cut | Few hours | Resolved |
| February 2022 | TW-1 | 400 Km off Karachi | 3 months | Resolved |
| December 2021 | AAE-1 | UAE, land cut | Few hours | Resolved |
| February 2021 | TW-1 | Egypt, land cut | Few hours | Resolved |
The ongoing issues from these submarine cable failures have a direct impact on the quality of internet services available in Pakistan.
PTA’s Regulatory Response and Compliance
In response to the increasing number of disruptions, the PTA has updated its Quality of Service (QoS) regulations to set higher thresholds for system availability and download/upload speeds, keeping pace with technological advancements.
In July 2024, seven internet service providers were issued notices for failing to meet the PTA’s key performance indicators (KPI) following surveys conducted by the regulator. A special survey in Gwadar also resulted in a show cause notice being issued to a concerned company in February 2024 due to inadequate KPI compliance.
All internet service providers have been mandated to upgrade their systems to meet the PTA KPI thresholds as stipulated in the Fixed Line QoS Regulations 2022.
PTA’s Steps to Address Cable Faults and ISP Performance
The PTA has established new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure cable faults are reported within two hours of their occurrence. For significant faults, a press release is issued to inform the public. The PTA closely monitors repair and mitigation efforts, especially for undersea cable cuts, where specialized repair ships are often required.
The document further notes that the PTA’s complaint management system (CMS) facilitates consumer grievances, including those related to service quality. Customers can register complaints through the PTA’s toll-free number or online platform.
Conclusion
The persistent issues surrounding internet disruptions in Pakistan highlight the critical importance of reliable infrastructure and timely repairs. As the nation relies increasingly on digital connectivity, the need for robust submarine cable systems becomes ever more paramount. The PTA’s proactive measures in regulating service providers and addressing cable faults reflect a commitment to improving internet service quality across the country.
