- Africa-1 submarine cable lands in Karachi, boosting Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.
- PTCL joins Africa-1 consortium to integrate Pakistan with global digital hubs.
What happened: Africa-1 submarine cable lands in Pakistan
The ultra-high-capacity Africa-1 Submarine Cable has successfully landed at Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited’s (PTCL) Karachi site, marking a transformative milestone for the country’s digital connectivity. This achievement follows PTCL’s official agreement to join the Africa-1 consortium, a strategic move to integrate Pakistan with key global digital hubs, including regions in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The cable’s landing at Sea View Beach, Karachi, positions Pakistan as a critical node in the 12,000 km-long Africa-1 system, which offers 180 terabits per second (Tbps) of capacity.
The project underscores PTCL’s commitment to enhancing Pakistan’s telecommunications infrastructure. By leveraging the Africa-1 cable’s cutting-edge technology, PTCL aims to provide faster, more reliable internet services, support data-intensive industries, and reduce dependency on existing routes. The cable’s deployment aligns with Pakistan’s broader goals of digital transformation, enabling improved access to cloud services, e-commerce, and remote education platforms.
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Why it’s important
The Africa-1 submarine cable’s landing in Pakistan addresses the growing demand for high-speed, reliable internet connectivity driven by digital transformation efforts. Submarine cables carry over 99% of international data traffic, making them critical for global communication. Pakistan’s integration into the Africa-1 system diversifies its connectivity routes, reducing latency and enhancing resilience against outages. This infrastructure supports economic growth by enabling businesses to access global markets, fostering innovation in sectors like fintech, healthcare, and education. Additionally, the project aligns with international efforts to bridge digital divides, particularly in regions with underdeveloped terrestrial networks.
