SEA-ME-WE 5 cable issue affects internet connectivity as traffic is rerouted through alternate international links.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has confirmed that internet users in Pakistan may experience intermittent connectivity issues due to a fault in the SEA-ME-WE 5 (SMW5) international submarine cable system.
The authority stated that it is closely monitoring the situation while efforts are underway to restore normal internet services as quickly as possible.
According to the PTA, the fault in the international submarine cable has led to temporary degradation in internet quality and connectivity for some users across the country.
Customers may notice slower browsing speeds, occasional service interruptions, or reduced network performance until the issue is fully resolved.
The regulator explained that Transworld Associates (TWA), one of Pakistan’s international bandwidth providers, is actively coordinating with the SEA-ME-WE 5 Consortium to determine the exact cause of the cable fault. Technical teams are currently investigating the issue and working to establish an estimated time for restoration (ETTR).
To reduce the impact on consumers, internet traffic has been redirected through alternative international links. This temporary rerouting is intended to maintain service continuity and minimize disruptions while repair work and technical assessments continue.
However, despite these contingency measures, some users may still experience inconsistent internet performance during peak usage hours.
The PTA emphasized that it remains in close contact with the relevant stakeholders and international partners involved in the repair process.
The authority assured users that it is continuously monitoring network performance and will provide updates as more information becomes available regarding the restoration timeline.
International submarine cable systems such as SEA-ME-WE 5 play a vital role in carrying internet traffic between Pakistan and the rest of the world.
Any disruption to these undersea cables can affect internet speed, latency, and overall connectivity, particularly when traffic needs to be shifted to backup routes.
The PTA has advised internet users to expect temporary fluctuations in service quality until the fault is rectified. The regulator reiterated that all concerned parties are working together to restore full connectivity at the earliest, while alternate routing arrangements remain in place to keep internet services operational across the country.