ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has been experiencing significant internet disruptions in recent weeks, leading to slowdowns for social media applications, particularly those of Meta, including Facebook and WhatsApp. Users across the country have reported difficulties in accessing these platforms, prompting concerns and complaints.
In a recent document submitted to the National Assembly, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) attributed these issues primarily to the high usage of these applications. With approximately 50 million users on Facebook and WhatsApp being the most popular real-time messaging app in Pakistan, the PTA stated that this surge in demand has significantly impacted service quality. A PTA spokesperson noted, “Customers were informed that internet speeds would be slower during peak hours.”
Despite claims made by the PTA in September that the slowdown had been resolved, users continued to report service disruptions. The document also referenced additional factors contributing to the internet troubles, including a statement from the Minister-in-Charge of the Cabinet Division, which highlighted issues with the SMW4 submarine cable. In June 2024, a cut in this cable resulted in a massive data loss of 1.5 terabytes per second.
This situation was further exacerbated by a subsequent fault in the AAE-1 cable, leading to an additional loss of 0.25 terabytes per second. The PTA has expressed hope that the recovery of the SMW4 submarine cable will help normalize internet services and restore full functionality for users throughout the country.
As users continue to navigate the challenges posed by these disruptions, the PTA’s commitment to addressing the underlying issues will be crucial for improving internet connectivity in Pakistan.
