The government has announced a solution to the ongoing disruptions in internet services, with a final resolution date set for September 24, 2024. This announcement was made during a written response presented by the Ministry of IT in the National Assembly, where the government provided detailed information about the persistent issues affecting internet connectivity since February 2021.
The Ministry of IT’s written response detailed various incidents of internet disruptions and their resolutions. According to the report, a significant issue occurred on July 31, 2024, when a fault in the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited’s (PTCL) system was quickly addressed and resolved within a few hours. Another major disruption took place on June 17, 2024, when an underwater cable (SEAMEWE-4) experienced a cut, causing a reduction of 1500 Gbps in internet bandwidth, leading to widespread connectivity issues across the country.
The Ministry assured the National Assembly that the ongoing efforts to fix these internet issues would be completed by September 24, 2024, ensuring a stable internet service nationwide.
Recurrent Internet Failures Overview
This is not the first time Pakistan has faced internet outages. The Ministry’s report also highlights previous instances of internet service disruptions, including incidents in:
- February 2024
- April 2023
- November 2022
- February 2022
- February 2021
Each of these disruptions, according to the government, was resolved within a few hours, reflecting the authorities’ swift response to maintaining connectivity.
One of the primary causes of recent disruptions has been damage to international submarine cables, particularly the SEAMEWE-4 cable. These cables are vital for global internet connectivity, and any damage to them has a direct impact on Pakistan’s internet infrastructure. The undersea cable cut in June 2024 resulted in a significant loss of bandwidth, leading to slower internet speeds and interruptions for users across the country.
Moreover, Pakistan’s internet infrastructure relies heavily on these submarine cables. When such critical components are affected, it can take time to repair the damage, especially due to the technical complexities involved in underwater operations.
In response to these ongoing challenges, the government and telecommunication providers have been working on improving Pakistan’s internet resilience. The upcoming September 24 deadline aims to provide a long-term solution by fixing the recurring problems within the country’s internet infrastructure.
Some of the steps being taken to prevent future disruptions include:
- Diversification of Internet Routes: The government is considering expanding its reliance on multiple submarine cables to ensure that a single point of failure does not disrupt the entire network.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Plans are underway to upgrade existing systems, making them more robust and capable of handling increased internet traffic and unexpected faults.
- Collaboration with International Partners: The Ministry of IT is working closely with international telecom operators to ensure timely repairs and maintenance of submarine cables.
The recurring internet issues have had a significant impact on businesses, freelancers, and the general public. Pakistan’s growing digital economy, which includes e-commerce, online education, and freelance work, heavily depends on reliable internet access. The disruptions have not only slowed down business activities but also affected the productivity of individuals working in various sectors.
Freelancers, in particular, have expressed concerns about their ability to meet deadlines and maintain communication with international clients during these outages. The delays caused by internet issues could result in financial losses for small businesses and independent workers who rely on uninterrupted connectivity.
The resolution of internet issues by September 24 marks a significant step toward ensuring that Pakistan’s digital landscape can continue to grow without further hindrances. The government’s commitment to improving internet infrastructure aligns with the broader vision of Digital Pakistan, which seeks to transform the country into a hub of technological innovation and connectivity.
As internet services stabilize, the government hopes to bolster Pakistan’s image as an emerging player in the global digital economy. This also provides an opportunity for telecommunication companies to invest further in advanced technologies such as 5G networks, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence to boost the country’s tech sector.
With a final resolution date set for September 24, 2024, the government has taken a crucial step toward addressing the persistent issues in Pakistan’s internet services. As the country continues to experience rapid digital growth, maintaining reliable and robust internet infrastructure will be vital for sustaining economic development and social progress.
Moving forward, the focus will be on strengthening Pakistan’s internet backbone to prevent future disruptions, ensuring that both individuals and businesses can thrive in the increasingly interconnected global economy.
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