Nearly 97 percent of Pakistan’s population now has access to broadband internet, according to Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima, who briefed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology.
The minister said internet adoption has increased rapidly in recent years, driven by growing demand for digital services, online businesses, e-learning, and digital financial solutions across the country.
Mobile Spectrum Expanded for Better Connectivity
To strengthen telecom services and prepare for future technologies, the government increased the available mobile spectrum from 274 MHz to 480 MHz following a spectrum auction held in March.
The additional spectrum is expected to:
- Improve mobile network capacity
- Enhance internet speeds and service quality
- Support the nationwide rollout of 5G services
Average Monthly Data Spending
Shaza Fatima informed lawmakers that the average internet user in Pakistan spends approximately Rs. 285 per month on mobile data services.
Telecom Amendment Bill to Improve Infrastructure
The minister also highlighted the proposed Telecom Amendment Bill, stating that it will strengthen the Right of Way (RoW) framework. The new legislation aims to simplify the deployment of telecom infrastructure, reduce delays in network expansion, and accelerate broadband connectivity across Pakistan.
The government believes these measures will further improve digital inclusion and support the country’s transition toward a more connected and technology-driven economy.
