Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has announced scheduled maintenance on an international submarine cable, warning of potential internet disruptions across the country.
According to PTCL, maintenance work on the SMW4 (South East Asia–Middle East–Western Europe 4) cable system — operated by an international consortium — is set to take place from April 14 to April 20.
The company cautioned that users may experience slower internet speeds and intermittent connectivity, particularly during evening hours, while the work is underway.
Earlier, PTCL had stated that repair work on a faulty repeater installed in the submarine cable had been completed. However, it had also warned that internet services could face temporary slowdowns or disruptions lasting up to 18 hours due to maintenance on the undersea communication network.
PTCL later confirmed that operations on the affected segment of the cable had been fully restored and that internet speed and connectivity had largely normalised across the country.
Despite this, users in Karachi have continued to report sluggish internet performance, particularly difficulties in uploading and downloading content on social media platforms, according to officials and consumers.
Separately, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced plans to issue licences for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS), in a move aimed at expanding internet access nationwide.
The initiative is expected to attract global companies such as Starlink and Shanghai SpaceCom to provide satellite-based internet services, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
Under the proposed framework, licensed operators will be permitted to establish ground-based gateway stations and Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs). Each licence will be valid for 15 years, with a fee of $500,000, and operators will be required to commence services within 18 months of approval.
