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PTA Attributes Nationwide Internet Slowdown to Faulty Submarine Cable, Dismisses Firewall Claims
PTA Addresses Internet Slowdown Concerns: The PTA has confirmed that a faulty submarine cable is behind the recent internet issues across Pakistan, not the rumored firewalls.
ND
by News Desk
2024-08-21
PTA Attributes Nationwide Internet Slowdown to Faulty Submarine Cable, Dismisses Firewall Claims

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Wednesday addressed the widespread internet slowdown across the country, attributing it to a damaged submarine cable rather than the installation of firewalls, as had been speculated. This clarification comes amid growing frustration from both the public and lawmakers over the decline in internet speeds.

 

For several weeks, internet users in Pakistan have experienced significant disruptions, particularly when using mobile data for apps like WhatsApp and while browsing on broadband networks. The business community and internet service providers (ISPs) had previously accused the government of intentionally throttling the internet to monitor online activity, leading to substantial economic losses.

 

During a meeting with the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT, PTA Chairman Retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman explained that the slowdown was primarily due to a faulty submarine cable, which is expected to be repaired by August 28. He emphasized that no firewalls were being installed, and the ongoing upgrades to the government's web management system should not have impacted internet speeds.

 

Despite the explanation, members of the committee expressed dissatisfaction with the PTA’s handling of the situation, particularly regarding the inconsistent availability of platforms like TikTok and the broader issue of internet censorship. The PTA Chairman also mentioned that VPNs were not being blocked, despite some users experiencing slower speeds due to the nature of VPN technology.

 

As the country grapples with these digital challenges, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has also taken an active interest, seeking a detailed response from the federal government on the reasons behind the disruptions. The court has directed the government to submit a clause-wise explanation by August 27, reflecting the growing urgency to address these issues.

 

The PTA has listed four main reasons for the slowdown, including the submarine cable damage, a major misconfiguration by an ISP, a possible cyberattack on August 15, and increased use of VPNs. Each of these factors has contributed to the diminished internet capacity, leading to widespread frustration among users.

 

With internet access becoming increasingly critical for economic and social activities, the pressure is mounting on authorities to ensure that the necessary repairs and upgrades are completed swiftly. The PTA’s assurances of normalizing services by August 28 will be closely watched by millions of Pakistanis who rely on stable internet connectivity.

 
Tagged:

PTA

InternetSlowdown

PakistanTelecom

SubmarineCable
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