In Pakistan, Internet Slowdowns Is Expected.

As the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) starts necessary fixes on a portion of the nation’s underwater communication network, millions of internet users in Pakistan may experience irregular outages or poor access today.

The international cable group has planned maintenance to fix an improperly functioning repeater that was installed in the underwater cable system, a PTCL representative said. On October 14th, 2025, the repair procedure is scheduled to start at “11:00 AM” and could take up to “18-hours” to finish.

According to the official, PTCL engineers are working with international partners to reduce downtime at this time, however users may encounter reduced browsing speeds, interrupted streaming, or brief service interruptions.

Assuring clients that the maintenance is necessary to guarantee long-term network performance and stability, the business expressed apologies for the delay in service. Experts worry that even brief disruptions might have a widespread impact because internet connection is essential to Pakistan’s digital economy, which includes everything from e-commerce and remote employment to education and fintech services.

Although the repair is being done, PTCL has encouraged users to schedule their online activity appropriately. A significant turning point in the nation’s digital infrastructure strategy was previously marked by the announcement by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) of an initial rough plan for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) licensing.

In addition to offering high-speed internet connectivity in remote and underserved locations, the program will likely bring in satellite internet providers from all over the world, such as “Shanghai Spacecom and Starlink”.

According to PTA’s official release, the draft license will enable businesses to develop and run satellite systems, including as “Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs), fixed earth stations, and gateway stations”. Licenses for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) will be allowed to provide “internet capacity, backhaul, and broadband services directly to customers”.

A one-time payment of “$500,000” is required for the license, which is good for “15-years”. Operators are supported to establish a minimum of one gateway earth station in Pakistan and are required to start operations within “18-months” of permission.