The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Tuesday said that an international underwater cable has developed a fault in the sea near Karachi, which was affecting internet speeds, especially during peak hours.

Taking to Twitter, PTA reassured internet users that they are making alternate arrangements by providing additional bandwidth to service providers so that internet requirements are met.

The tweets further said that repair work on the cable was underway but it may take some time till internet speeds return to normal. PTA also insisted that alternate routes be used to provide uninterrupted services by using alternate routes and methods.

This is not the first time that internet speeds in Pakistan have been affected by an undersea cable developing a fault.

In October this year a submarine cable fault was reported near UAE's Fujairah, affecting internet services for many users across Pakistan. However speedy repair work was undertaken and services were restored quickly.

It is pertinent to note that there are at least 400 publicly disclosed undersea cable systems, including both those existing as well as those planned for the future.