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.

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The maintenance work is scheduled to begin on April 14 and will continue until April 20, 2026. During this period, users may experience degradation in internet services, particularly during evening hours. PTCL has indicated that the repair work is being carried out by an international cable consortium.

In a statement, PTCL said, “A maintenance activity is planned on one of our submarine cables to repair a fault by international cable consortium.” The company expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to customers and assured them that efforts are being made to minimize service disruption throughout the maintenance window.

PTCL further noted, “During this period, customers may face Internet service degradation during evening hours.” The company has apologized for the temporary inconvenience, assuring users that work is being conducted to restore normal service as quickly as possible.

Internet services could remain partially disrupted until the fault is fully resolved. PTCL is actively working to ensure that the impact on users is minimized during this maintenance period.

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The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has approved the merger of Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (Ufone) and Telenor Pakistan on March 19, 2026. This merger is set to create a combined customer base of approximately 72 million subscribers, positioning the new entity as the second-largest telecom operator in Pakistan.

Currently, Jazz leads the market with 74 million monthly mobile subscribers, followed by Zong with 54 million. Before the merger, Telenor had 43 million subscribers, while Ufone had 29 million. The merger will significantly enhance the competitive landscape of the telecom sector in Pakistan.

The acquisition of Telenor Pakistan by Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) was completed in December 2025 after receiving multiple regulatory approvals. The transaction was valued at NOK5.3 billion, approximately US$547 million.

As part of the merger process, the integration of the two companies is expected to take up to four weeks for legal verification. The merged entity will operate around 26,000 towers, many of which are located in close proximity to each other. However, regulators have imposed conditions on the integration process, stipulating that towers shared with other operators cannot be shut down without prior approval.

The no-objection certificate issued by the PTA allows Ufone to commence the integration with Telenor Pakistan. This development is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining service continuity for customers during the merger.

With a total of 202 million mobile subscribers in Pakistan, the merger is likely to reshape market dynamics and customer offerings. The combined resources and infrastructure of Ufone and Telenor could lead to improved services and competitive pricing for consumers.

As the integration progresses, further developments are anticipated, particularly regarding the operational strategies of the merged entity. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific changes that may occur in service offerings or pricing structures.

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