Pakistan Embraces Digital Expansion as PTCL’s Africa-1 Submarine Cable Arrives in Karachi

Pakistan has made a groundbreaking advancement in its digital landscape with the successful landing of the ultra-high capacity Africa-1 submarine cable at PTCL’s landing site at Sea View Beach, Karachi. This milestone marks a major step toward strengthening the country’s global digital connectivity, ensuring faster internet, lower latency, and improved telecommunications infrastructure.

Pakistan’s Digital Evolution Gets a Boost

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has officially joined the Africa-1 cable system consortium, reinforcing its role as a key player in the global telecom network. This strategic move connects Pakistan to major digital hubs across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, significantly improving internet speeds and reliability for businesses and consumers alike.

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The Africa-1 submarine cable spans 10,000 kilometers, linking Pakistan with key locations, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, France, Kenya, and Djibouti. It brings state-of-the-art technology that will enhance Pakistan’s role in the international telecom industry.

PTCL Leads the Way in Global Connectivity

At the Africa-1 Cable landing event, Syed Muhammad Shoaib, Group VP International Business at PTCL, emphasized the importance of this development, stating:
“This marks PTCL’s fifth submarine cable, strengthening Pakistan’s connection with global digital hubs. This project is crucial for achieving the ‘Digital Pakistan 2030’ vision and expanding our presence in the international telecom ecosystem.”

He further highlighted that top global telecom companies, including Etisalat UAE, Mobily, G42 Telecom, Telecom Egypt, Zain Oman International (ZOI), Algérie Télécom, and TeleYemen, are part of this massive submarine cable project.

Enhancing Internet Speeds & Reducing Latency

Mudassir Mushtaq, Group VP for Service Assurance and Technology Core Operations at PTCL, expressed his excitement, stating:
“This cable is a vital part of our roadmap. It will not only expand our submarine cable network but also introduce redundancy, ensuring seamless connectivity. Partnering with content providers will further enhance internet speeds and reduce latency across the country.”

A Technological Marvel with Global Impact

Alcatel Submarine Networks, a key player in the project, has played a critical role in laying the cable. Mark Corrigan, Director at Alcatel Submarine Networks, explained:
“This project involves a 14.5km pre-laid shore end, which will be installed today. The cable will be floated to the beach, pulled across 500 meters of the shore, and connected to the PTCL LAN network. This ensures a smooth transition into Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.”

What This Means for Pakistan’s Future

The Africa-1 cable system, set for completion by early 2026, is a game-changer for Pakistan’s digital economy. By improving internet reliability, businesses, content creators, and telecom operators will benefit from faster connections and better international communication.

With PTCL leading the charge, this initiative positions Pakistan as a major digital hub in the region. This project not only enhances connectivity but also supports Pakistan’s growing digital ambitions, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of global technological advancements.

Having witnessed the cable’s landing firsthand, it’s clear that Pakistan’s digital transformation is accelerating. This initiative is more than just a technological upgrade—it represents a new era of connectivity, innovation, and global integration.

With the Africa-1 cable now in place, Pakistan is on the path to becoming a stronger player in the global digital landscape, ensuring a faster, smarter, and more connected future for all.