PTA says internet services return to normal after SMW5 submarine cable repaired

Regulator says it remained in close coordination with Transworld Associates (TWA) throughout the disruption

ISLAMABAD:

Internet services across Pakistan have returned to normal after a fault in the SEA-ME-WE 5 (SMW5) international submarine cable system was repaired, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said on Friday.

PTA said on Thursday that it was monitoring disruption to internet traffic caused by a fault in the SEA-ME-WE 5 (SMW5) international submarine cable system, warning that some users may experience intermittent degradation in internet services.

In a statement, the PTA said the submarine cable is now "fully operational," and internet services nationwide have been restored to normal operating capacity.

The regulator said it remained in close coordination with Transworld Associates (TWA) throughout the disruption.

During the restoration process, internet traffic was rerouted through alternative international links to minimise the impact on users and maintain service continuity "to the maximum extent possible", the PTA said.

Read: PTA warns of intermittent internet issues after submarine cable fault

The authority added that it would continue to monitor the resilience and performance of Pakistan's international connectivity infrastructure to ensure the "reliable, secure and uninterrupted" provision of telecommunications and broadband services across the country.

PTA had warned that the fault could result in periodic deterioration in service quality and connectivity for some internet users.

"PTA remains in constant contact with the relevant stakeholders and continues to closely monitor the situation to ensure the earliest possible restoration of internet services across the country," the statement concluded.