Internet users across Pakistan may experience slower connection speeds during busy hours until November 2, 2026. Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has announced emergency maintenance work on the Asia-Africa-Europe 1 (AAE-1) submarine cable.
According to PTCL, repair work has started on a section of the cable between Italy and France. The maintenance may affect internet performance, especially during periods of high demand.
The company warned that customers could notice a slight decline in service quality while the work continues. It has also asked users to remain patient and cooperate during the repair process.
Why Internet Users May Face Slow Speeds
The AAE-1 submarine cable carries a significant share of Pakistan’s international internet traffic. Any maintenance or disruption affecting this system can influence connection quality.
The cable system stretches approximately 25,000 kilometres. It connects Southeast Asia with Europe through Egypt and has a landing point in Karachi.
Since the current maintenance is taking place between Italy and France, some online services may experience slower access. Websites and platforms hosted in European countries could be affected more noticeably.
Internet users may particularly notice changes during evening peak hours. This is when demand for internet services is often higher.
However, the impact will not necessarily be the same for everyone. Connection speeds may vary depending on network traffic, the service being accessed, and available network capacity.
PTCL Advises Customers to Remain Patient
PTCL has informed customers about the maintenance work and its possible effects on internet services. The company has asked users to cooperate while engineers carry out the necessary repairs.
The maintenance is expected to continue until November 2, 2026. During this period, some customers may experience temporary performance issues.
Users who rely on online platforms for work, education, communication, or entertainment could notice these changes. However, the company’s announcement points to a possible decline in service quality rather than a confirmed nationwide internet shutdown.
Previous Concerns Over Submarine Cable Issues
This is not the first time that maintenance or faults involving the AAE-1 submarine cable have raised concerns in Pakistan.
Submarine cables play an important role in connecting countries to the global internet. They carry international data traffic between networks and support access to websites, applications, and online services.
When a cable requires repairs, telecommunications companies may need to manage traffic through available network routes. This can sometimes affect connection speeds or service quality.
For Internet users in Pakistan, the latest maintenance highlights the importance of international cable infrastructure. The actual impact will depend on network conditions throughout the repair period.
Customers experiencing slower speeds may therefore notice temporary changes rather than a complete loss of connectivity. PTCL has advised patience as the maintenance work continues through the announced deadline.
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