Telecom Regulator Reports Faults in Two of Seven Submarine Cables Connecting Pakistan to Global Internet
ISLAMABAD: In an update on the recent internet service disruptions across Pakistan, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has clarified that faults in two of the seven submarine cables connecting the country to the global internet are the primary cause. The statement, issued on Thursday, provides detailed insights into the nature of these faults and the ongoing efforts to address them.
Details of the Faults
According to the PTA, one of the affected submarine cables has experienced a significant 250GB outage. This issue arose due to rerouting through alternative routes via Iran and Qatar. Additionally, another submarine cable has sustained damage near Karachi. These faults have contributed to widespread disruptions in internet services, affecting both speed and connectivity for users across the nation.
In response to these issues, telecom operators are actively rerouting traffic through other available submarine cables to minimize service interruptions. The PTA has assured that relevant technical teams are working diligently to resolve the faults and restore normal internet speeds as soon as possible. The regulator is closely monitoring the situation and will keep users informed of any further developments.
Clarification on Recent Disruptions
The PTA’s statement follows earlier confusion regarding the cause of the disruptions. On Wednesday, the authority had initially attributed the widespread internet issues to faults in the submarine cable system. However, the PTA also acknowledged that the installation of a National Firewall System (NFS) had raised concerns among users, leading to speculation about its impact on internet service.
PTA Chairman Major General (retired) Hafeez Ur Rehman addressed these concerns before the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom. He confirmed that the NFS installation was part of a government decision made during the PTI era. Despite the installation of the firewall, Rehman emphasized that the recent disruptions were primarily due to the faults in the submarine cables rather than the new system.
National Firewall System (NFS) and Its Impact
The National Firewall System, designed to manage social media content and enhance national security, has been upgraded for the third time. The project received approval in October 2020, but financial constraints delayed its implementation. The NFS upgrade, initiated in March 2019, aligns with federal cabinet directives aimed at controlling social media and improving internet security.
Rehman reassured the National Assembly committee that the current government is continuing the previous administration’s policies. The PTA’s commitment to implementing the cabinet’s directives includes the ongoing upgrades to the National Firewall System, despite concerns from some quarters.
Additional Factors Contributing to Disruptions
In a separate communication to the Lahore High Court (LHC), the PTA outlined several factors contributing to the recent internet service disruptions:
- Fault in Submarine Cables: The primary cause of the slowdown, as previously mentioned, is the fault in the submarine cables.
- Internet Company Error: An error by an internet service provider on July 31 also contributed to the disruptions.
- Cyberattack: A cyberattack on August 15, coinciding with Indian National Day, exacerbated the issue.
- Excessive VPN Use: The PTA noted that excessive use of VPNs has also impacted internet speeds.
The LHC is currently hearing a petition related to unannounced internet service disruptions, which has prompted the PTA to provide a comprehensive explanation of the issues affecting internet services.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Outlook
As the PTA works to address the faults in the submarine cables and mitigate their impact on internet services, the authority remains committed to ensuring that users experience minimal disruption. The efforts to reroute traffic and resolve technical issues are critical in restoring normal service levels.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by telecom operators and regulatory bodies in maintaining robust and reliable internet infrastructure. The PTA’s proactive response and communication with users and stakeholders reflect its dedication to resolving the current issues and improving the overall quality of internet services in Pakistan.