The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is making strides in transforming the country’s internet infrastructure by connecting it to the 2Africa Cable—a groundbreaking 45,000-kilometer subsea cable project, recognized as the largest in the world. This ambitious initiative, spearheaded by Meta (formerly Facebook), aims to revolutionize internet speeds across Pakistan and is expected to become operational by 2025.
Enhancing Pakistan’s Internet Infrastructure
According to sources at NetMag, physical integration with the 2Africa Cable system is already underway. Once completed, this state-of-the-art network will deliver significantly faster internet speeds and enhanced global connectivity for Pakistani users. The 2Africa Cable links 46 landing stations across Europe, Africa, and Asia, promising to position Pakistan as a hub for cutting-edge internet services.
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Progress Update
To facilitate this development, PTA has partnered with Transworld Associates (TWA), the designated landing partner for the 2Africa Submarine Cable in Pakistan. The project employs advanced SDM1 (Spatial Division Multiplexing) technology, offering an impressive 180 terabits per second (Tbps) capacity. Backed by a global consortium of eight partners, including Meta and Vodafone, the cable will bring transformative connectivity to the region.
The project’s timeline is on track, with Phase 1 commencing on December 1, 2024. This phase, involving the Pre-Lay Shore End (PLSE) installation, saw the cable successfully landed at Hawksbay, Karachi. Phase 2, which includes deep-sea cable laying, is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2025.
Transformational Impact
Once operational, the 2Africa Cable is expected to alleviate the growing traffic load on Pakistan’s internet infrastructure. By offering one of the fastest internet services globally, this initiative will significantly boost the country’s international telecommunications framework.
The project symbolizes a leap forward for Pakistan, enhancing digital connectivity, driving economic growth, and positioning the country as a key player in global internet infrastructure. The PTA, along with its partners, remains committed to delivering this transformative project by Q4 2025.
