Pakistan’s digital landscape faces continued challenges as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced on Wednesday that the country’s internet slow down is expected to persist until early October. This prolonged disruption stems from ongoing repairs to submarine cables that form the backbone of Pakistan’s international internet connectivity. The news comes as a disappointment to millions of users who have been grappling with sluggish internet speeds, affecting everything from basic browsing to critical business operations.

The Root of the Problem: Submarine Cable Faults

At the heart of Pakistan’s internet woes lie faults in two crucial submarine cables: SMW4 and AAE-1. These cables are part of a network of seven that connect Pakistan to the global internet infrastructure. The PTA’s statement clarified that the SMW-4 submarine cable, in particular, is not expected to be fully repaired until early October 2024. This timeline represents a significant extension from earlier projections, highlighting the complexity of the repair process.

The impact of these cable faults has been severe. Users across the country have reported significant drops in internet speeds, making it challenging to perform even basic online tasks. The situation is particularly dire for mobile data users, who have struggled with sending or downloading media and voice notes on popular platforms like WhatsApp. Even broadband connections, typically more stable, have not been immune to the slowdown.

Controversies and Allegations

While the PTA attributes the internet slow down primarily to technical issues, the situation has been mired in controversy. The business community and internet service providers (ISPs) have voiced concerns that go beyond cable faults. They allege that government efforts to monitor internet traffic, including the implementation of a purported ‘firewall,’ have contributed significantly to the speed reduction. These claims have raised alarms about potential economic losses and infringements on digital freedoms.

Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the country’s information technology minister, has found herself at the center of this debate. While acknowledging that the government is upgrading its “web management system” to address cybersecurity threats, she has categorically denied accusations of intentional “throttling” of internet speeds. This stance puts the government at odds with ISPs and businesses who insist that the slowdown goes beyond mere technical glitches.

The PTA’s Response and Future Outlook

In response to the growing concerns and speculations, the PTA has maintained a consistent narrative focusing on the technical aspects of the problem. The authority’s latest statement reiterates that the ongoing internet slowdown is primarily due to the submarine cable faults, dismissing concerns about the installation of a firewall or intentional speed reduction.

However, the PTA’s credibility has been challenged by recent events. Just a week ago, PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman, a retired major general, had informed a National Assembly panel that the damaged submarine cable would be repaired by August 27. The current announcement of repairs extending into October represents a significant deviation from this timeline, raising questions about the authority’s initial assessment and communication strategies.

Looking ahead, the PTA has offered a glimmer of hope, suggesting that the repair of the AAE-1 cable should enhance internet performance to some degree. However, the lack of a specific timeline for this repair leaves users in a state of uncertainty about when they can expect meaningful improvements in their internet experience.

As Pakistan grapples with persistent internet slow speeds, the situation underscores the country’s vulnerability to disruptions in its digital infrastructure. The extended timeline for repairs, coupled with controversies surrounding potential government interventions, paints a complex picture of the challenges facing Pakistan’s internet landscape. As users and businesses alike await the resolution of these issues, the coming months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of Pakistan’s digital connectivity and its implications for the nation’s economic and social fabric.