Internet users across Pakistan may face slow speeds and possible disruptions on 15 January as maintenance work is scheduled on one of the country’s submarine cables. Internet service provider Nayatel has informed customers that the activity will start around 2 PM and may last up to eight hours.
The company shared the update through an official email, warning users about potential internet slowdown Pakistan during the maintenance window. Nayatel stated that the work is unavoidable and is part of routine technical operations to ensure long term stability of international connectivity.
Pakistan relies heavily on submarine cables for internet traffic. These cables connect the country to global networks and carry the majority of data. Any maintenance or fault in these cables often affects browsing speed, streaming services, online payments, and business operations.
Nayatel did not specify the exact location of the cable undergoing maintenance. However, it confirmed that the activity could impact internet performance nationwide. Users may experience slow loading, interrupted connections, and delays in online services during the affected hours.
This development comes at a sensitive time as Pakistan recently faced major internet issues. On 1 January 2026, users across the country reported widespread outages that lasted for more than two days. At that time, officials linked the problem to a fault in one of the upstream providers.
Second Disruption in Two Weeks Raises Concerns
The possibility of another slowdown within two weeks has raised concerns among users and businesses. Many people rely on stable internet for remote work, online education, and digital payments. Even short disruptions can affect productivity and customer services.
IT experts say submarine cable maintenance is a normal part of network operations. However, they also stress the need for backup systems and better planning to reduce public impact. Frequent outages highlight the importance of investing in stronger infrastructure.
Telecom analysts point out that Pakistan has limited redundancy when it comes to international internet routes. This means that problems in a single cable can affect large parts of the network. Countries with more backup links face fewer disruptions during maintenance.
Businesses that depend on real time communication may face delays. Online traders, call centers, freelancers, and digital platforms often suffer during such slowdowns. Many companies are now preparing alternative plans to manage operations on 15 January.
The telecom sector has not announced any nationwide shutdown. The advisory only warns about possible slowness and interruptions. However, users are advised to avoid critical online tasks during the expected maintenance period.
Internet slowdown in Pakistan
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has not issued a separate statement yet. In previous cases, the authority has monitored such situations and worked with service providers to restore services quickly.
Social media users have already started discussing the possible disruption. Many have expressed frustration over repeated internet issues, while others have called for better infrastructure planning. The topic is expected to trend as the date approaches.
For now, all service providers remain operational. The impact will depend on the duration and nature of the maintenance work. If completed on time, services should return to normal the same day.
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Internet users are advised to stay updated through official channels of their service providers. Any major change or extended disruption will likely be communicated through alerts and updates.
The situation highlights the growing dependence on digital connectivity in Pakistan. As more services move online, stable internet has become essential for daily life. The planned maintenance on 15 January will test the resilience of the country’s digital infrastructure once again.
