Pakistan Achieves Over 91% Cellular Coverage, Says PTA Annual Report

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has released its annual report for 2023-24, showcasing remarkable progress in the country’s telecom sector. According to the report, Pakistan has now achieved over 91% of cellular coverage. Additionally, the report highlights that telecom services have been extended to every part of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), ensuring connectivity in remote and mountainous regions.

One of the key achievements outlined in the report is the significant increase in broadband subscribers. The number of broadband users rose from 127.6 million in June 2023 to 142.3 million in September 2024. This growth indicates an increasing reliance on Internet services for communication, education, and business. The average internet speed has also improved by 28%, rising from 15.65 Mbps to 20.02 Mbps, reflecting substantial upgrades to the country’s digital infrastructure.

Pakistan Achieves Over 91% Cellular Coverage, Says PTA Annual Report

Despite advancements, the PTA report identifies challenges in rolling out 5G technology across Pakistan. The report points out that while urban areas may benefit from 5G quickly due to better infrastructure, rural and remote regions face significant obstacles. The high cost and logistical difficulties of extending 5G services to sparsely populated areas remain key barriers.

Another challenge is the availability of 5G-enabled devices. Many people still do not own 5G-compatible smartphones, which limits widespread adoption. The PTA stressed that achieving equitable access to 5G is essential for inclusive economic growth and social development in the country. Ensuring affordable devices and robust coverage will help bridge the digital divide. It will also bring the benefits of advanced technology to all regions.

Telecom Sector Growth and Investments

The report highlights the efforts of telecom operators, whose investments and upgrades have led to record-breaking revenues in the sector. Telecom revenues reached an all-time high of Rs955 billion during the fiscal year 2023-24. The Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) was reported at Rs302 per month for the April-June 2024 quarter, indicating consistent growth in consumer spending on telecom services.

To simplify business operations, the PTA introduced a one-window system for IP address and Virtual Private Network (VPN) registration. This move has benefited businesses such as software houses and call centres, making their operations more streamlined and efficient.

Pakistan’s efforts to improve cybersecurity have also been recognized globally. The country’s Global Cybersecurity Index ranking improved significantly, moving from 79th position to the top 40, a major achievement that underscores the focus on secure digital infrastructure.

New Regulations and Consumer Protection

The PTA report mentions the finalization of Telecom Equipment Standards Regulations 2024. These regulations, vetted by the law ministry and awaiting approval from the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), aim to ensure seamless communication. The regulations will safeguard consumers by preventing the use of substandard or incompatible telecom products while addressing concerns like electromagnetic compatibility, health, safety, and radio frequency communication.

Blocking Illegal Content and Consumer Complaints

Under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), the PTA has actively handled complaints related to unlawful online content. The report reveals that 1.43 million URLs containing illegal or harmful material have been processed and blocked, reflecting the authority’s commitment to maintaining a safe digital environment.

In addition, the PTA reported receiving 191,514 consumer complaints about telecom services during the 2023-24 fiscal year. Out of these, 99.3% were resolved, demonstrating the authority’s responsiveness to consumer issues. The PTA also blocked or recycled 5.8 million inactive SIMs as part of efforts to maintain clean and accurate data.

Conclusion

The PTA’s annual report highlights significant milestones in Pakistan’s telecom sector, including expanded coverage, faster internet speeds, and record revenues. However, challenges such as the digital divide and 5G device availability must be addressed to ensure inclusive technological growth. With new regulations and improved cybersecurity, the telecom sector is poised to play a crucial role in Pakistan’s digital transformation.

See Also: PTA Raids Illegal Mobile Booster Sellers