Faster Internet for All: Pakistan Aims for High Broadband Internet Speed by 2025

The race to the digital future is on, and Pakistan is stepping on the accelerator. The government has officially declared 2025 as the “Year of 5G.” Moreover, it revealed ambitious plans aiming to redefine Pakistan’s connectivity landscape. Director General Licensing Amer Shahzad shared a glimpse of this transformative vision at the National Broadband Network Forum 2024, hosted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in partnership with Huawei. The strategy includes increasing Fibre-To-The-Site (FTTS) coverage from 20% to 60%. It will result in achieving an average broadband internet speed of 50/100 Mbps up from today’s 15 Mbps. Furthermore, the government has plans to auction the 5G spectrum by April 2025. For a country like Pakistan, where Fixed Broadband (FBB) penetration is below 2%, the goal of acquiring 20% penetration within five years is truly groundbreaking.

Pakistan Sets Bold 2025 5G Target: Ambitious Plans for Faster Broadband Internet Speed & Better Connectivity

Shahzad underscored the critical role of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) in closing the digital divide and supporting 5G networks. According to him, the National Fiberization Plan is already in motion. The initiative aims to expand the country’s fiber footprint from the current 200,000 km to a staggering 500,000 km. This improved infrastructure is designed to elevate urban connectivity and bring high-speed internet to underserved rural areas.

One of the most exciting proposals includes deploying 1 Gbps connectivity in Islamabad as a pilot, with plans for nationwide expansion. If it pans out, Pakistan can position itself on the global map of advanced telecom infrastructure. The PTA’s annual report also highlighted the progress made in extending telecom coverage, making internet access a reality for millions. The challenges of low FTTS coverage and limited broadband speed still remain, however, the government’s roadmap seems determined to tackle these barriers head-on.

As a regular internet user, it’s exciting to see Pakistan take such bold strides. Students from remote areas of Pakistan will be able to stream online classes without interruptions. Moreover, small businesses will flourish with seamless e-commerce, and families will stay connected through blazing-fast video calls. This vision is about opportunities, equality, and empowerment, not just about speed.

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