Pakistan is officially finalizing its regulatory framework for satellite internet services. Simultaneously, the government has established a strict digital infrastructure target. Authorities aim to increase mobile tower fiberisation to at least 60%. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja recently confirmed these developments. She shared this update during the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Symposium. Consequently, these upgrades will drastically improve connectivity. They will also support the effective rollout of 5G services nationwide.
Pakistan to Expand Satellite Internet With A Regulatory Framework
The government recently completed consultations with relevant institutions. These talks focused specifically on the Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) framework. Therefore, authorities will finalize this framework shortly. Furthermore, the government intends to provide a business-friendly environment. This initiative will support companies investing in Pakistan’s emerging satellite internet sector.
Additionally, Pakistan has made massive strides in digital inclusion. According to the latest reports, the country achieved the fastest global progress in narrowing the gender gap for mobile internet usage. Specifically, this gap dropped from 38% down to 8% over the past two years. Still, expanding connectivity remains critical. Currently, 48% of the Asia-Pacific population lacks internet access, while 2.2 billion people remain unconnected globally.
Boosting Fiberisation for 5G Readiness
To strengthen its internet infrastructure, Pakistan landed three new submarine cables. This expansion happened over the past two and a half years. Moreover, work continues on alternative international connectivity routes. Domestically, the Universal Service Fund (USF) aggressively deployed optical fibre. They laid more than 17,000 kilometers of it across the country. As a result, fibre broadband home passes surged. They grew from fewer than three million in 2024 to over five million today.
However, mobile tower fiberisation remains a significant challenge. Currently, the fiberisation rate has increased from below 15% to slightly over 19%. The government must raise this figure to at least 60%. This upgrade will guarantee reliable, high-capacity backhaul infrastructure. Ultimately, connecting these towers to optical fibre is absolutely essential. It enables the effective delivery of 5G services. Previously, Pakistan introduced 5G technology. Authorities achieved this milestone by auctioning 480 MHz of spectrum in March 2026.
Grassroots Connectivity & Tech Subsidies
Meanwhile, the government is creating massive opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Through Class Value Added Services (CVAS) licenses, rural residents can now become internet service providers. Consequently, this new business model will extend connectivity directly to underserved communities. To ensure coordinated execution, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reviews the National Connectivity Plan every fortnight.
Finally, technology is driving targeted financial assistance. Recently, the government utilized a technology-based system to distribute subsidies. This system successfully delivered fuel subsidies to more than 10 million people. Importantly, citizens did not need a smartphone to access this assistance. This approach ensured a much broader reach. Ultimately, digital connectivity now serves as a fundamental requirement. It actively drives education, healthcare, disaster management, economic development, and national security.
