• January 7, 2025
• Information Technology
• Web Desk

Internet users across Pakistan experienced disruptions following a fault near Qatar in the Asia-Africa-Europe-1 (AAE-1) submarine cable, one of the seven internet cables landing in Pakistan. The issue, which emerged on the evening of January 2, has led to noticeably slower browsing speeds nationwide. Efforts are currently underway to resolve the issue, though network speeds have remained slow since January 2.

The AAE-1 cable, operational since 2017, connects multiple countries including Pakistan, Vietnam, Singapore, India, and France. The cable is capable of handling up to 2.7 terabits per second (Tbps) of data, with 1 Tbps currently impacted by the fault.

On January 2, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced efforts to address the fault in the AAE-1 cable and warned users of potential disruptions.

In response to the disruption, data traffic is being rerouted through alternative cables, including the SEA-ME-WE 4 and IMEWE submarine cables. However, delays in coordinating with international teams have prolonged the issue, delaying the restoration of normal internet speeds. According to PTCL, full service is expected to resume by the evening of January 4.

The incident also underscores ongoing concerns regarding Pakistan’s internet infrastructure and governance. Just a day earlier, on January 1, during a Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology meeting, lawmakers expressed concerns about the legal ambiguities surrounding internet shutdowns.

The PTA clarified that internet restrictions are typically implemented based on government directives, but the legal framework for such actions remains unclear. Additionally, the country’s limited fiber optic infrastructure has been identified as a key factor contributing to recurring connectivity issues. Without significant investments to modernize digital infrastructure, Pakistan is likely to continue facing challenges in providing consistent, high-speed internet services.