
As Pakistan continues to encounter intermittent internet disruptions besides gearing up to anchor more undersea internet cables, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has brought to light progress on the installation of additional submarine internet cables.
Pakistan's 2Africa Submarine cable
Outlining significant efforts being undertaken by PTA, a statement issued by the telecom regulator stated that the 2Africa Submarine cable is being paved in collaboration with Transworld Associate (TWA), the landing partner of 2Africa Submarine cable for Pakistan.
Being one of the largest undersea cable systems in the world, the new cable will serve as a broader gateway for improved international connectivity.
Making use of SDM1 technology to deliver a whopping bandwidth capacity of 180Tbps, the 2Africa Submarine cable spans 45,000 kilometres and connects 46 locations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
With tech giants like Meta and Vodafone being the biggest backers from among an eight-member global consortium, the 2Africa cable is expected to be activated by the end of 2025 in Pakistan.
Involving Pre-Lay Shore End (PLSE) installation, Phase 1 of the project kicked off on December 1, 2024, with the cable landing at Hawksbay, Karachi.
Phase 2 of the undersea cable project, involving the deep-sea cable lay, will begin on April 1, 2025.
Besides stabilising Pakistan's digital posture after activation, the 2Africa Submarine cable will ensure strong internet connections and unrestricted access to social media platforms.