Karachi: The Africa-1 submarine cable, boasting ultra-high capacity, has successfully made landfall at the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited's (PTCL) landing site at Sea View Beach, Karachi. This development represents a significant enhancement in Pakistan's digital connectivity, following PTCL's agreement to join the Africa-1 cable system consortium. The move aims to integrate Pakistan with key global digital hubs and strengthen the national telecommunication infrastructure.
According to a statement by Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited, this new connection underscores a commitment to using advanced technologies to promote progress and connectivity within regions linked by the Africa-1 system. The consortium includes leading telecommunications companies such as Mobily from Saudi Arabia, e and and G42 from the UAE, Telecom Egypt, Zain Oman International, Algérie Télécom, TeleYemen, and other global service providers.
The 10,000-kilometer cable system employs advanced technologies to connect Pakistan with strategic locations like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, France, Kenya, and Djibouti. The cable will be terminated at the Africa-1 Cable station in PTCL Exchange Misrishah, Phase-VI, DHA Karachi, enhancing Pakistan's role as a key player in the global digital network.
Syed Muhammad Shoaib, Group VP International Business at PTCL, emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration. He stated that PTCL's participation in the Africa-1 cable system consortium aligns with Pakistan's Digital Vision 2030, aiming to empower communities by bridging the digital divide. The initiative seeks to establish strong, reliable connections to international hubs, facilitating innovation across sectors and strengthening Pakistan's position in the global economy.
The Africa-1 cable system is expected to be completed by early 2026. Once operational, it will increase PTCL's capacity to provide high-quality, reliable internet services that meet international standards, solidifying its status as a preferred telecom operator both in Pakistan and internationally.