The Pakistani government is set to revolutionize the country’s digital landscape with 26.5 terabits per second (Tbps) of planned international connectivity. This game-changing initiative, disclosed by Minister of State for IT & Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja in the National Assembly, aims to significantly enhance Pakistan’s internet speed, reliability, and accessibility.
Planned International Submarine Cables 📡
The connectivity upgrade will be facilitated through five major submarine cables, each bringing significant bandwidth to Pakistan’s internet infrastructure:
- AFRICA 1 (PTCL) – 6.5 Tbps
- SMW6 (Transworld Associates – TWA) – 6 Tbps
- 2AFRICA (TWA) – 10 Tbps
- PEACE (LINKdotNET) – 2 Tbps
- Makran Gulf Gateway (MGG-1) (Cybernet) – 2 Tbps
While the 2AFRICA cable has already landed in Pakistan, the others remain in the planning phase. All submarine cable operators have been granted a Permit in Principle (PIP), ensuring a clear path for further developments.
Expanding Satellite-Based Internet Access 🚀
Recognizing the need for widespread internet coverage, the government is actively expanding satellite-based connectivity. Historically, Pakistan lacked direct-to-consumer satellite services, but this is set to change with new regulatory frameworks:
- National Space Policy (Jan 2024) and Pakistan Space Activities Rules (Feb 2024) pave the way for satellite expansion.
- Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is consulting industry stakeholders on licensing for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS).
- A Single License framework is being drafted to regulate direct-to-consumer satellite internet services, ensuring seamless integration with existing networks.
Starlink’s Entry into Pakistan? 🌍
The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) is currently evaluating Starlink’s application. Once approved and cleared by the Ministry of Interior, PTA will issue an official license, enabling Starlink to operate in Pakistan. However, the timeline for approval remains uncertain as the regulatory process continues.
Network Security & Performance Enhancements 🔐⚡
The government is also addressing network security and efficiency challenges:
- VPN Optimization: Excessive VPN use is diverting traffic from Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), slowing down internet speeds. The PTA is processing additional VPN registrations to optimize routing and enhance Quality of Service (QoS).
- DDoS Mitigation: Frequent Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks have been affecting network performance. Operators are implementing advanced security measures to counter these threats.
The Future of Internet in Pakistan 🌐
With these groundbreaking developments, Pakistan is on the verge of a digital transformation. The combination of submarine cable expansions, satellite internet growth, and enhanced security measures will:
✅ Improve internet speed & reliability ✅ Enhance digital connectivity in remote areas ✅ Attract global tech investments ✅ Strengthen Pakistan’s position in the digital economy
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