Pakistan is currently experiencing significant internet slowdowns due to a fault in the international submarine cable system AAE-1 (Asia-Africa-Europe 1). This disruption has significantly impacted internet connectivity across the nation, affecting both individual users and businesses.
Details of the Disruption
Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima confirmed the disruption, stating that the fault has affected approximately 1,000 gigabytes per second (Gbps) of data traffic. This substantial loss of bandwidth has resulted in noticeable slowdowns in internet speeds for users across the country.
The AAE-1 cable system is a crucial part of Pakistan’s internet infrastructure, providing a high-capacity connection to the global internet. A fault in this system inevitably leads to significant disruptions in internet services.
Mitigation Efforts
The IT Ministry has taken swift action to mitigate the impact of the cable fault. Authorities have successfully rerouted 630 Gbps of data traffic to alternative pathways. Additionally, efforts are underway to redirect another 200 Gbps of traffic, bringing the total rerouted capacity to 830 Gbps.
These measures are aimed at minimizing the impact of the disruption and restoring internet services to normalcy as quickly as possible. The IT Ministry has assured the public that they are actively working to resolve the issue and are committed to keeping citizens informed about the progress of the restoration efforts.
Impact on Internet Services
The impact of the cable fault has been felt across various internet services in Pakistan, including:
- Slow browsing speeds: Users are experiencing delays in loading web pages and accessing online content.
- Reduced download and upload speeds: Downloading and uploading files, including large documents and media, are taking significantly longer than usual.
- Disruptions in online streaming: Streaming video and audio content may experience buffering or interruptions.
- Challenges with online gaming: Online gamers may face increased latency and connectivity issues.
About the AAE-1 Cable System
The AAE-1 cable system is a large-capacity submarine cable network connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. It is a critical piece of global internet infrastructure, providing vital connectivity for numerous countries along its route.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Length | Approximately 25,000 kilometers |
| Landing Points | 21 landing points across Asia, Africa, and Europe, including Pakistan. |
| Capacity | Designed to carry over 40 terabits per second (Tbps) of data. |
| Consortium | Owned and operated by a consortium of telecommunications operators from various countries. |
Comparison of Cable Systems Serving Pakistan
Pakistan relies on multiple submarine cable systems for its international internet connectivity. The following table provides a brief comparison of some of these systems:
| Cable System | Key Features |
|---|---|
| AAE-1 | Connects Asia, Africa, and Europe; high capacity; multiple landing points. |
| SEA-ME-WE 3 | One of the oldest submarine cable systems; connects Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Western Europe. |
| IMEWE | Connects India, the Middle East, and Western Europe; provides an alternative route for internet traffic. |
| TW1 | Transworld 1 is Pakistan’s first private submarine cable system. |
Restoration Timeline and Updates
The IT Ministry is working closely with international partners and cable operators to expedite the repair of the AAE-1 cable. While a precise timeline for full restoration is not yet available, the ministry has committed to providing regular updates to the public.
This incident highlights the importance of robust and redundant internet infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. The ongoing efforts to reroute traffic and repair the cable demonstrate the commitment to restoring normal internet services for users across Pakistan.