According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), internet services across the country are anticipated to continue experiencing slow speeds until early October. The slowdown is attributed to a faulty submarine cable, with repairs expected to be completed by then.
The reduced internet speeds have been causing difficulties for users in sending or receiving media and voice notes through WhatsApp, as well as slower browsing speeds even on broadband connections. The business community and internet service providers have raised concerns about the slowdown impacting digital services and leading to economic losses. The government has been accused of monitoring internet traffic and implementing a so-called ‘firewall’, although officials have denied deliberately throttling the internet.
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The PTA has clarified that the internet slowdown is primarily due to faults in two international submarine cables connecting Pakistan. While one cable has been repaired, the other, SMW-4, is expected to be fixed by early October 2024. Internet experts have confirmed that the submarine cable damage is a contributing factor to the reduced internet capacity for Pakistan.
Amnesty International has urged Pakistani authorities to be more transparent about the nationwide internet slowdown and the use of monitoring and surveillance technologies. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the economic impact of the internet disruptions, with warnings that the sluggish internet could cost Pakistan billions annually and lead to multinational companies relocating their back offices from the country.
