Internet users across Pakistan relying on the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) may experience slower connectivity due to scheduled maintenance on a submarine cable. The repair work, organized by an international cable consortium, is set to begin on May 11 and continue until May 18, 2026.
PTCL has warned that during this maintenance period, internet services could face degradation, particularly in the evening hours when demand is typically higher. The company expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to its customers during this time.
Notably, this will be the second instance of reduced internet performance in recent months, following a similar maintenance operation conducted from April 14 to 20. These repeated disruptions highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining critical infrastructure.
Meanwhile, in a significant development for Pakistan’s telecom sector, operators have started rolling out 5G services in select areas after receiving spectrum licenses at a ceremony in Islamabad, which was addressed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Earlier in March, the government successfully completed a spectrum auction, generating $507 million by selling 480 megahertz (MHz) of spectrum. Three telecom companies participated in bidding for the 2,600MHz band, a crucial frequency range required to support 5G technology.
