The Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has addressed recent internet disruptions caused by a fault in the AAE-1 submarine cable near Qatar. To counter the slowdown, PTCL has added “additional bandwidth,” significantly improving internet speeds. However, users may still face delays with Meta services like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram during peak hours. PTCL assures customers of a full resolution soon.
Submarine Cable Fault and Its Impact
Last week, PTCL acknowledged the internet disruption caused by the AAE-1 submarine cable fault. This international cable outage led to slow browsing and connectivity issues for users. The company apologized for the inconvenience and assured customers that teams were working to resolve the issue promptly. The disruption highlighted Pakistan’s reliance on international cables for internet connectivity.
PTCL’s Mitigation Efforts
To alleviate the impact, PTCL increased bandwidth capacity, which has improved internet speeds for many users. This temporary solution has reduced the severity of the slowdown, particularly for general browsing and streaming. However, Meta-related services remain affected during peak hours. PTCL continues to collaborate with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to ensure a swift and permanent resolution.
Also Read: Persistent Slow Internet in Pakistan Due to Submarine Cable Fault
Challenges with Meta Services
Despite PTCL’s efforts, users report persistent slowness with Meta platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. These services are particularly affected during high-traffic periods, causing frustration among users. PTCL has attributed this to the ongoing cable fault and assured customers that the issue will be fully resolved in the coming days. The company remains committed to minimizing disruptions.
Pakistan’s Internet Performance
Pakistan’s internet performance remains a concern, as highlighted by Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index. In October, the country ranked 141st out of 158 nations for fixed broadband, with a median speed of 15.6 Mbps. For mobile data, Pakistan ranked 100th out of 111 countries, with a median speed of 20.61 Mbps. These rankings underscore the need for infrastructure improvements.
Social Media Platform X Remains Blocked
Amid the internet disruptions, social media platform X (formerly Twitter) remains blocked in Pakistan. This has further limited users’ access to information and communication tools. The blockage, coupled with the submarine cable fault, has exacerbated connectivity challenges. Many users are calling for the restoration of X to improve access to global platforms.
Collaboration with PTA
PTCL is working closely with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to address the internet issues. This collaboration aims to expedite repairs and ensure minimal disruption to services. The PTA has also been monitoring the situation and supporting PTCL’s efforts to enhance internet performance. Together, they are striving to restore normalcy for users across the country.
Customer Reactions and Expectations
Customers have expressed mixed reactions to PTCL’s efforts. While some appreciate the increased bandwidth, others remain frustrated with the ongoing slowness, especially on Meta platforms. Many are hopeful for a complete resolution soon. PTCL has urged users to remain patient as they work to resolve the issue and improve overall internet performance.
Conclusion
PTCL’s response to the AAE-1 submarine cable fault highlights the challenges of maintaining internet connectivity in Pakistan. While additional bandwidth has alleviated some issues, challenges with Meta services persist. With ongoing efforts and collaboration with the PTA, PTCL aims to resolve the issue soon. This incident underscores the need for robust infrastructure to ensure reliable internet services for all users.
