PTCL has announced scheduled maintenance on the SMW4 submarine cable system from April 14 to April 20, which is expected to impact internet services across Pakistan. Users may experience slower internet speeds and intermittent connectivity during this maintenance period.
The maintenance follows the completion of repair work on a faulty repeater in the submarine cable. Despite the restoration of operations on the affected segment, users in Karachi have reported sluggish internet performance, indicating that the situation may not fully normalize immediately.
During the maintenance, internet services could face temporary slowdowns or disruptions lasting up to 18 hours. PTCL has confirmed that internet speed and connectivity had largely normalized across the country after the repair, yet some users continue to experience issues.
In response to ongoing connectivity challenges, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority is planning to issue licenses for Fixed Satellite Services. This initiative aims to expand internet access across the country, allowing licensed operators to establish ground-based gateway stations and Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs).
Each license for Fixed Satellite Services will be valid for 15 years and will require a fee of $500,000. Operators will be mandated to commence services within 18 months of receiving approval, which could enhance the overall internet infrastructure in Pakistan.
As the scheduled maintenance progresses, further developments regarding the impact on internet services and the rollout of new satellite services are anticipated. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the disruptions and the timeline for complete service restoration.