The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has shared some important updates about the country’s internet and telecommunications sector for the fiscal year 2023-24. Let’s look at some of the key developments in simple words.
1. Broadband Internet Subscriptions Increase by 91%
In the last five years, Pakistan’s broadband internet subscriptions have increased by an impressive 91%. This means that more people are using the internet than ever before. As of now, 142.3 million broadband subscriptions have been registered. This growth shows that internet access is becoming more common across the country.
2. Broadband Penetration at 58.4%
The broadband penetration in Pakistan now stands at 58.4%. This means more than half of the country’s population has access to broadband services. There are 55,777 active cell towers in Pakistan, and about 95.5% of these towers support 4G technology, allowing for faster internet speeds.
3. 5G Rollout and Future Plans
PTA has also started working on the next step: 5G technology. 5G is expected to make the internet even faster and support new technologies like smart cities and improved healthcare. The rollout of 5G services is planned for mid-2025, bringing big changes to how we use the internet.
Introduction of New Wi-Fi Technology
Pakistan has also introduced a new 6GHz spectrum for unlicensed use. This will help improve internet speed and connection quality. With this, Pakistan became the 10th country in Asia to use this advanced Wi-Fi technology.
4. Measures to Prevent SIM-Related Fraud
To keep users safe from fraud, PTA has introduced a Three-Factor Authentication system. This system helps to prevent the misuse of SIM cards and stops unauthorized SIM cards from being issued. PTA also blocked 5.8 million inactive SIM cards, cleaning up the system.
5. Cybersecurity Improvements
PTA has made great progress in cybersecurity. Pakistan’s ranking in the Global Cybersecurity Index has improved from 79th to 40th. This means the country is getting better at protecting digital information. PTA also launched a tier-3 Data Center and a National Telecom Security Operations Center to make Pakistan’s telecom sector more secure.
6. Child Online Protection and Digital Literacy
PTA is working hard to protect children from online dangers. The PTA has joined UNICEF’s ‘Disrupting Harm Programme’ and trained students in 100 schools to be more aware of online safety. PTA has also partnered with Meta (the company behind Facebook) to launch an Urdu version of the ‘TakeItDown’ portal. This platform helps protect young people from harmful online content.
7. Support for Local Manufacturing
Another important update is that 94% of mobile devices used in Pakistan are now locally produced. This has helped boost the country’s economy and reduced the need for importing mobile phones.
Key Developments by PTA in 2023-24
| Development | Details |
|---|---|
| Broadband Subscriptions | Increased by 91%, reaching 142.3 million |
| Broadband Penetration | 58.4% of the population now has broadband access |
| 5G Rollout | Planned for mid-2025, with major improvements expected |
| Wi-Fi Spectrum 6GHz | Pakistan becomes 10th Asian country to adopt next-gen Wi-Fi |
| SIM Fraud Prevention | 5.8 million inactive SIMs blocked |
| Cybersecurity Ranking | Improved from 79th to 40th globally |
| Child Online Protection | Partnered with UNICEF and Meta to protect children online |
| Mobile Device Manufacturing | 94% of mobile devices are made locally |
Summary
PTA has made a lot of progress in improving Pakistan’s internet services and telecom security. With the increase in broadband subscriptions, introduction of 5G technology, and stronger cybersecurity measures, Pakistan is moving towards a more connected and secure digital future. These steps will help improve the daily lives of people and make Pakistan’s telecom sector stronger in the coming years.
