Internet Services Expected to Go Down for the Whole Day in Pakistan. Internet users in Pakistan are being warned about potential service disruptions across the country due to scheduled maintenance work on a submarine cable. The Pakistan Telecommunications Limited (PTCL) has announced that users may experience slower internet speeds and degraded connectivity starting Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
PTCL Maintenance Work on Submarine Cable
PTCL stated that the maintenance work is necessary to repair a faulty repeater in the undersea cable system. A repeater is a device that amplifies signals in long-distance fiber optic cables, and a malfunction can affect internet speed and stability for thousands of users.
According to the announcement, the repair work will begin at around 11:00 AM PST on October 14 and could continue for up to 18 hours. During this period, customers are likely to face significant service degradation. PTCL apologized for the inconvenience and assured users that the work is essential for restoring full connectivity.
How the Outage Will Affect Users
Users across Pakistan may notice slower internet speeds or difficulty accessing websites, streaming platforms, and online applications during the maintenance period. Social media users have already reported intermittent access issues on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Data from internet monitoring service Downdetector shows a spike in complaints regarding outages over the last 24 hours, indicating that some users were already experiencing problems ahead of the scheduled maintenance.
The connectivity issues are expected to affect both mobile and fixed-line broadband users. PTCL has advised its customers to anticipate intermittent service interruptions throughout the maintenance period.
Previous Submarine Cable Issues in Pakistan
This is not the first time that Pakistan’s internet services have been impacted by submarine cable problems. Last month, PTCL issued a warning about potential disruptions caused by cable cuts in Saudi Arabian waters, which affected connectivity during peak hours. Submarine cables carry a majority of international internet traffic, and even minor faults in these systems can result in widespread slowdowns or outages in countries relying on them.
PTCL emphasizes that these maintenance activities, while temporarily inconvenient, are crucial to maintaining long-term reliability of internet services across Pakistan.
User Complaints and Downtime Reports
Internet users in Pakistan have been increasingly vocal about connectivity issues. Reports on Downdetector and other monitoring services indicate rising complaints about slow or disrupted internet access. Users have highlighted difficulties in streaming videos, video calls, and accessing popular social media platforms.
The company has reassured customers that it is actively monitoring the situation and taking steps to minimize the duration of disruptions. PTCL recommends that users plan their online activities around the scheduled maintenance window to avoid interruptions, especially for business operations, online learning, and essential communications.
Impact of Recent Events on Internet Services
The upcoming maintenance outage follows a weekend when mobile internet services were completely suspended in major cities like Islamabad and Lahore. This suspension was due to widespread protests led by the hardline group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), which prompted authorities to restrict connectivity for public safety reasons. These disruptions had already affected the daily routines of users, highlighting the critical role of stable internet services in Pakistan.
PTCL’s current maintenance work adds another temporary challenge for internet users, emphasizing the need for careful planning and awareness of service schedules.
What Users Should Do During the Outage
To minimize inconvenience, PTCL customers can take the following steps:
- Plan Ahead: Complete essential online work before 11:00 AM on October 14, 2025.
- Use Offline Alternatives: Save documents, emails, or files offline to continue working during connectivity disruptions.
- Stay Updated: Follow PTCL’s official announcements on social media or website for real-time updates on service restoration.
- Check Downdetector: Platforms like Downdetector can help users confirm if the problem is widespread or isolated.
By preparing in advance, users can reduce frustration during periods of degraded internet service.
PTCL’s Assurance to Customers
PTCL has confirmed that technicians are working diligently to repair the faulty repeater as quickly as possible. The company assures users that normal service will be restored once maintenance is complete. While the repair work may last for up to 18 hours, PTCL aims to minimize the outage and ensure a reliable internet experience moving forward.
The telecom provider has expressed regret for the temporary inconvenience caused to its customers and asked for their patience and understanding.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s internet users are advised to expect slower speeds and intermittent connectivity on October 14, 2025, due to PTCL’s submarine cable maintenance work. While such outages are inconvenient, they are essential to ensure long-term stability and reliability of internet services. Customers should plan accordingly, use offline resources if possible, and stay updated through official PTCL channels. Maintaining awareness of scheduled maintenance and past disruptions can help users better manage their online activities and reduce frustration during outages.
FAQs
Q1. How long will the internet be down in Pakistan on October 14?
The maintenance work may last up to 18 hours, starting from 11:00 AM PST. Users should expect intermittent connectivity and slower speeds during this period.
Q2. Will all internet users be affected?
The outage is expected to affect PTCL customers nationwide, including both fixed-line broadband and mobile internet users.
Q3. Why is the submarine cable maintenance necessary?
PTCL is repairing a faulty repeater in the undersea cable, which is essential to maintain stable internet services across Pakistan.
Q4. Can users still access social media during the outage?
Access may be limited or slow. Some platforms like Facebook and Instagram may experience disruptions until maintenance is complete.
Q5. How can users get updates about the outage?
PTCL’s official website and social media channels provide real-time updates. Monitoring services like Downdetector can also help users track widespread outages.
