Pakistan’s Internet Woes: Excessive VPN Use and Submarine Cable Fault Identified

VPN Usage Overwhelms Bandwidth

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has linked the ongoing internet slowdown to the widespread use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). According to PTA’s analysis, the surge in VPN traffic has overburdened the nation’s internet bandwidth, slowing down speeds for millions of users.

Submarine Cable Disruption Intensifies Issues

Compounding the problem, a fault was detected in the AAE-1 submarine cable near Qatar, which is crucial for Pakistan’s international connectivity. PTA announced that repair efforts are underway but cautioned users about continued disruptions in internet quality during the restoration process.

Impact on Digital Platforms

Popular platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have been operating at reduced speeds, while some services experienced temporary outages. This has left users grappling with limited access to essential communication and entertainment platforms.

PTA Calls for Infrastructure Upgrades

In response to the dual challenges of VPN overload and cable faults, PTA has urged the Ministry of IT to prioritize bandwidth expansion. The authority emphasized that robust infrastructure is necessary to meet the growing demands of an increasingly digital society.

User Guidance and Monitoring

PTA assured the public of its commitment to resolving the issues swiftly, adding that it is closely monitoring the situation. The authority advised users to minimize non-essential VPN usage to help alleviate bandwidth pressure while repair work is ongoing.