Internet Services Disrupted Across Pakistan After SMW-5 Submarine Cable Fault
Internet users across Pakistan experienced slower speeds and connectivity problems after a fault developed in the SMW-5 submarine internet cable, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The regulator confirmed that the issue has affected internet services in different parts of the country, with many users reporting difficulties in browsing, streaming, and accessing online platforms.
PTA Confirms SMW-5 Cable Fault
In an official statement, the PTA said the disruption was caused by a fault in the SMW-5 submarine cable, one of the major international internet links serving Pakistan.
The authority stated that some users may continue to experience reduced internet speeds and intermittent connectivity until the issue is resolved.
Technical Teams Working to Restore Services
According to the PTA, technical experts from Transworld Associates (TWA) and the SMW-5 consortium have started investigating the fault.
The teams are working to determine the exact cause of the problem and restore the affected cable as quickly as possible.
The PTA added that it remains in close coordination with all relevant stakeholders to monitor the situation and speed up restoration efforts.
Internet Traffic Shifted to Alternative Links
To reduce the impact on internet users, Pakistan has redirected internet traffic through alternative international connectivity links.
The PTA said this contingency measure is helping maintain services and minimize disruptions while repair work continues on the damaged submarine cable.
Although alternative routes have reduced the severity of the outage, users may still notice slower internet performance during peak hours.
Repair Timeline Yet to Be Announced
The telecom regulator said it is actively communicating with the organizations responsible for the submarine cable infrastructure.
However, no estimated timeline for completing repairs has been announced so far.
The PTA assured the public that it will issue further updates as soon as more information becomes available regarding the restoration process.
Importance of the SMW-5 Cable
The SMW-5 (South East Asia–Middle East–Western Europe 5) submarine cable is one of Pakistan’s critical international internet gateways. Any fault in the cable can affect internet traffic by reducing available bandwidth, leading to slower browsing speeds and temporary connectivity issues for consumers and businesses.
Pakistan relies on multiple international submarine cable systems for global internet connectivity. Network operators typically reroute traffic through other available cables whenever one link develops a fault. However, depending on overall network demand and available capacity, users may still experience degraded internet performance until the damaged cable is repaired.
Authorities have advised users to remain patient while restoration work continues. The PTA reiterated that it is closely monitoring the situation and will share further updates once the repair schedule has been confirmed.