Pakistan is poised for a digital revolution with the introduction of three new submarine cables by the end of 2025. These cables will supercharge Pakistan submarine cables infrastructure, enhancing internet connectivity, boosting speeds, and enabling 5G technology. As the nation faces growing data demands and a history of outages, this initiative, led by Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, is a game-changer. Whether you’re a student streaming lectures, a gamer seeking lag-free play, or a business owner eyeing global markets, these Pakistan submarine cables will reshape your online experience. Let’s explore how this ambitious project will transform internet connectivity and why it’s a milestone for Pakistan’s digital future.
The Power of Pakistan Submarine Cables
Pakistan submarine cables are the backbone of global internet connectivity, carrying over 99% of international data through underwater fiber-optic lines. For Pakistan, with its strategic Arabian Sea coastline, cities like Karachi are vital hubs for these networks. Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized their significance: “This isn’t just about faster browsing—it’s about sparking innovation, investment, and inclusion.” These cables will strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global digital economy by addressing past vulnerabilities, such as outages on the AAE-1 and SMW-4 systems, which cost the nation Rs. 450 billion in 2024 alone.
The new cables will diversify routes and boost capacity, ensuring reliable internet connectivity. With seven existing cables, Pakistan’s addition of three more by 2025 will bring the total to ten, a significant leap for a country with a booming digital population.
Failed to load imageView linkAlt text: Pakistan submarine cables enhancing internet connectivity
Bandwidth Boost with New Submarine Systems
The Pakistan submarine cables initiative focuses on expanding bandwidth to meet surging user demands. Here’s what’s in store:
- 2Africa Cable: Landing in Karachi in late 2024, this system will activate by late 2025 with a massive 180 Tbps capacity. Spanning 46 locations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, it’s a global powerhouse backed by Meta and telecom giants. It will enhance internet connectivity for high-bandwidth applications like AI and cloud computing.
- Africa-1, PEACE, and MGG-1: These cables will add over 26 Tbps of bandwidth. The PEACE cable links Pakistan to East Africa and Europe, while Africa-1 connects to North Africa, reducing reliance on older, fault-prone systems.
These upgrades could triple average broadband speeds (currently 20-30 Mbps) to rival regional leaders like the UAE (100+ Mbps). For more on global cable networks, visit the Submarine Cable Map (external link). Also, check our post on Pakistan’s 2024 Internet Outages.
Addressing Past Outages
In 2024, Pakistan faced significant disruptions, with Rs. 450 billion in economic losses due to cable faults and overloads. A notable AAE-1 cable issue slowed speeds nationwide, as reported by Arab News. The new Pakistan submarine cables incorporate redundancy features like multiple landing points and self-healing technology to ensure stable internet connectivity.
Doubling Spectrum for 5G Connectivity
To complement the cables, the government is doubling the internet spectrum for mobile operators, a critical step for 5G rollout. This will address congestion and support next-generation technology.
Key benefits include:
- Enhanced 5G Performance: Wider spectrum in sub-6 GHz and millimeter-wave bands will enable speeds up to 10 Gbps and low latency, perfect for IoT and smart cities.
- Aligned Timeline: The largest cable and spectrum expansion will launch by late 2025, ensuring 5G leverages the upgraded backbone.
- Industry Impact: 5G will transform agriculture (via precision farming) and manufacturing (through automation). The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is preparing spectrum auctions to attract global investment.
For more on 5G, read our article on 5G’s Future in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Digital Surge: Growth and Gaps
Pakistan’s digital landscape is thriving, with impressive growth metrics:
- 10 Million New Users: Over 10 million mobile subscribers joined last year, reaching 200 million total users, driven by a 25% rise in internet connectivity over two years.
- Gender Inclusion: 8 million women came online, narrowing the gender digital divide through digital literacy initiatives.
- Urban-Rural Divide: Urban areas enjoy 90% coverage, but rural connectivity lags at 40%, a gap these cables aim to bridge.
However, rapid growth strains infrastructure. The 2024 election-related internet shutdown delayed result reporting, raising transparency concerns. The new cables will enhance reliability, ensuring smoother internet connectivity for all.
A Future Powered by Internet Connectivity
The Pakistan submarine cables will unlock vast opportunities by 2025:
- For Users: Expect seamless streaming, gaming, and remote work with speeds potentially reaching 60-100 Mbps.
- For Businesses: Improved internet connectivity will boost e-commerce, fintech, and startups, attracting global investment.
- For Society: Enhanced access to online education and telehealth will support rural communities, aligning with the Digital Pakistan vision.
The government targets $10 billion in IT exports by 2030, and these cables are a cornerstone. Challenges like affordability and literacy remain, but the outlook is promising, with a projected 30-50% improvement in internet performance.
Conclusion: A Connected Pakistan Awaits
The Pakistan submarine cables launching by 2025 mark a pivotal moment for internet connectivity. By addressing outages, boosting speeds, and enabling 5G, this initiative will propel Pakistan into a digital-first future. Stay ahead of the curve—subscribe to our newsletter for tech updates or explore our guide on 5G’s Impact in Pakistan. How will faster internet connectivity change your life? Share your thoughts below and spread the word!
