Pakistan’s Internet to Get Faster Soon

Federal IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja has announced big changes in Pakistan’s internet system, aiming to provide faster and more reliable connectivity.

Internet Speed Boost Through Spectrum Auction

Currently, Pakistan’s mobile internet runs on very limited spectrum, which slows down the speed. The minister explained it as “too much traffic on a very small road.” To fix this, the government will auction 600 MHz of spectrum, which is expected to double internet speed across the country.

Satellite Internet on the Way

She also revealed that international companies from the US, China, and other countries have shown interest in bringing satellite internet to Pakistan. These companies will get licenses only if they follow the rules, and their licenses can be cancelled if they fail to meet conditions.

New Submarine Cables for Stronger Connectivity

Right now, all submarine internet cables connect only through Karachi, which creates risks and limitations. To improve this, three new submarine cables are being developed, with landing stations planned in other cities like Gwadar. The Prime Minister will also discuss these projects during his China visit.

Fibre Optic Expansion

At the moment, only 14% of telecom towers are connected to fibre optic, while most people depend on wireless internet. To improve speed and stability, the government is pushing for more fibre optic connections in cities. Authorities like CDA, Railways, and NHA are removing extra charges to make this rollout easier.

Rising Social Media Use

The demand for better internet is growing fast. Pakistan now has 96.62 million YouTube users, 91.75 million WhatsApp users, and 90.3 million TikTok users. However, telecom companies struggle to expand because the average revenue per user is only $1.1 per month, one of the lowest in the region.

Government’s Digital Plan

The minister said that improving internet infrastructure is a top priority for the government. The goal is to provide fast, reliable internet for both businesses and citizens. She stressed that without spectrum expansion and better infrastructure, Pakistan cannot achieve true digital growth.