The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has declared 2025 as the “Year of 5G.” The government has set bold targets to revolutionize the country’s broadband infrastructure, aiming to significantly improve internet speeds and expand connectivity. These targets include achieving an average broadband speed of 50–100 Mbps and increasing the coverage of Fiber-to-the-Site (FTTS) to 60%. The plan also involves launching 5G services and expanding the country’s fiber infrastructure to support faster, more reliable internet.
Key Goals for 2025
Broadband Speed and FTTS Expansion
One of the major objectives for 2025 is to improve broadband speeds. Currently, the average broadband speed in Pakistan is only 15 Mbps. However, the goal is to increase this to 50–100 Mbps, a significant jump in just a few years. This would greatly enhance internet quality, making it faster and more reliable for users across the country.
Another key target is to expand Fiber-to-the-Site (FTTS) coverage. At present, FTTS coverage is only at 20%, but the government aims to increase this to 60% by 2025. FTTS is an essential part of telecom infrastructure, as it ensures faster and more stable internet connections, especially for mobile and broadband users.
The Road to 5G: Spectrum Auction
The government has also set its sights on the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, which is expected to take place in April 2025. This auction will be a milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward 5G technology. Once 5G services are introduced, they are expected to bring faster internet speeds, lower latency, and support for a wider range of digital services.
Fixed Broadband Expansion
Current Situation vs Future Plans
Currently, Fixed Broadband (FBB) penetration in Pakistan is less than 2%, which is quite low compared to global standards. However, the government plans to increase FBB penetration to 20% within the next five years. This is an ambitious target, and it reflects the government’s commitment to improving internet access for all Pakistanis, especially in rural areas.
The National Fiberization Plan
Expanding Optical Fiber Cable (OFC)
A major component of Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure is Optical Fiber Cable (OFC), which plays a crucial role in supporting both 5G and broadband networks. To bridge the digital divide and improve FTTS coverage, the government has introduced a National Fiberization Plan. This plan aims to expand the country’s fiber network, which will allow for faster internet and support the growing demand for 5G services.
As part of this plan, the government wants to expand the fiber footprint from 200,000 kilometers to 500,000 kilometers. This expansion will help improve internet connectivity across the country, especially in remote areas.
1 Gbps Connectivity in Islamabad
As part of this initiative, the government also plans to deploy 1 Gbps connectivity in Islamabad, with the intention of eventually expanding this high-speed internet to other major cities across Pakistan. This would mark a significant step toward achieving the goal of better connectivity in urban areas.
Key Stats and Achievements
Here’s a breakdown of the current progress and future targets in Pakistan’s telecom sector:
| Metric | Current Status | Target for 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Broadband Speed | 15 Mbps average | 50–100 Mbps |
| Fiber-to-the-Site (FTTS) Coverage | 20% | 60% |
| Fixed Broadband Penetration | Less than 2% | 20% |
| Fiber Footprint (in km) | 200,000 km | 500,000 km |
| Submarine Cables | 7 connections | 11 connections (with 4 more under development) |
| Mobile Network Coverage | 91% of the population | Maintain and improve coverage |
| 3G/4G Coverage | 81% of the population | Expand to rural areas |
Current Telecom Achievements
Mobile Network Expansion
Pakistan has made great strides in expanding telecom coverage in recent years. According to the PTA’s annual report, cellular mobile services now cover 91% of the population. Furthermore, 3G/4G services reach 81% of the country, providing faster and more reliable mobile internet.
By June 2024, there were a total of 55,777 operational cell sites, and 95.5% of these sites support 4G. This expansion in network infrastructure has helped improve mobile internet services for millions of Pakistanis.
Broadband Subscriber Growth
Pakistan has also seen a massive surge in broadband subscribers, which reached 142.3 million by September 2024. This marks a 91% growth over the last five years. The country’s broadband penetration has increased from 32.6% in 2019 to 58.4% in 2024, showing significant progress in providing more people with access to high-speed internet.
International Connectivity
Pakistan’s international connectivity is supported by a strong network of undersea fiber optic cables and terrestrial links. The country has seven submarine cable connections and the Pak-China Optical Fiber Cable. Additionally, Pakistan has 21 cross-border terrestrial links, which ensure reliable international internet access.
The total capacity of these links is 16.4 Tbps, which helps maintain internet service even during disruptions. The government is also working on expanding its international connectivity, with four new submarine cables currently under development.
Data Usage Growth
With the improvement in telecom infrastructure, Pakistan has seen a 24.2% increase in data usage, reaching a total of 25,141 petabytes of data in 2023-24. This includes both mobile and fixed broadband data usage. Mobile data usage accounted for 13,021 petabytes, while fixed broadband usage reached 12,120 petabytes.
Summary
The government of Pakistan has set ambitious goals for 2025, aiming to make it the “Year of 5G”. With plans to improve broadband speeds, increase FTTS coverage, and launch 5G services, Pakistan is on track to become a leader in digital connectivity. The introduction of 5G technology, combined with the expansion of the country’s fiber network, will help bridge the digital divide and support economic growth in the coming years.
With these developments, Pakistan is well-positioned to enjoy faster, more reliable internet services, bringing new opportunities for individuals, businesses, and government services. Stay tuned for the upcoming 5G spectrum auction and other exciting developments in the world of digital connectivity.
