Key Takeaways
- Pakistan is set to boost its average fixed broadband speed from 30.32 Mbps to 85 Mbps.
- The plan includes expanding 5G services and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks.
- Officials aim to increase tower fiberization from 16 percent to 60 percent over three years.
Pakistan is preparing a nationwide National Connectivity Plan aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure, reducing the digital divide, and promoting the digital economy. As part of this initiative, the government plans to significantly increase Pakistan’s average fixed broadband speed from 30.32 Mbps to 85 Mbps, nearly tripling current speeds.
The plan prioritizes the expansion of 5G services and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks, with a focus on faster and more affordable internet access for freelancers and digital professionals. It also targets extending broadband connectivity to small cities, rural communities, and remote areas, ensuring broader coverage across the country.
To achieve these goals, officials aim to increase tower fiberization from the current 16 percent to 60 percent over the next three years. This expansion is expected to significantly improve internet access in underserved regions, making high-speed connectivity more accessible to a wider population.
The National Connectivity Plan also includes several reforms aimed at improving connectivity. These include making fixed broadband connectivity mandatory for all government institutions, schools, and healthcare facilities. Additionally, the government is considering tax relief for internet users in remote areas, with plans to abolish Right of Way (RoW) fees and introduce a one-window approval system to accelerate telecom infrastructure deployment.
According to sources, the plan is being finalized following consultations with all relevant stakeholders. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to complete the framework at the earliest, emphasizing the urgency of the initiative. The strategy is intended to support Pakistan’s long-term digital transformation agenda and place the country among the top 50 nations globally in broadband performance.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) is currently accelerating work on the preparation of the National Connectivity Plan. The plan will introduce a series of regulatory reforms and clearly define the responsibilities of telecom operators, ensuring a coordinated approach to digital infrastructure development.
