Pakistan’s internet users have been experiencing disruptions due to damage to the country’s undersea internet cables.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced that repair work is underway, but the issue has raised concerns about the vulnerability of these critical infrastructure.
Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) humorously questioned why fish seem to exclusively target Pakistan’s undersea fiber optic cables.
However, the real culprits behind the damage are often ship anchors and deep-sea fishing equipment.
The damage to the cables has resulted in slow internet speeds and disruptions to online services.
The repair process is complex and time-consuming, involving specialized ships that lift the faulty cable, attach a fresh piece, and join it on both ends. Each repair costs around $0.8 million to $1 million and weakens the cable’s capacity.
Pakistan has several undersea internet cables, including SMW-3, SMW-4, and AAE-1, which connect the country to the global internet network.
These cables are crucial for Pakistan’s internet connectivity, and damage to them can have significant impacts on the country’s online activities.
The PTA has assured users that repair work is underway and that internet services will be restored soon.
However, the incident highlights the need for greater investment in the country’s digital infrastructure and the importance of protecting these critical assets.
