Major Reforms to Transform Connectivity
Pakistan is on the verge of a digital transformation, with the government unveiling plans to overhaul the nation’s internet and telecom infrastructure. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, revealed these ambitious reforms during a media briefing on August 28, 2025, emphasizing faster and more reliable internet for millions of users.
The reforms focus on three key areas: expanding spectrum availability, introducing satellite internet services, and building new submarine cable networks. These initiatives are designed to address longstanding issues of slow internet speeds and limited connectivity, especially in underserved regions.
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Spectrum Auction to Double Internet Speeds
One of the core components of the plan is a major spectrum auction. Shaza Fatima explained that Pakistan currently operates on just 274 MHz of spectrum, which she compared to “running eight lanes of traffic on a two-lane highway.” To resolve this bottleneck, the government plans to auction 600 MHz of additional spectrum, a move expected to significantly boost mobile internet speeds across the country.
- Why it matters: More spectrum means faster data transfer rates, reducing buffering and improving user experience.
- Who’s leading: The finance minister will oversee the auction process to ensure transparency and efficiency.
This upgrade is particularly critical as Pakistan’s internet usage continues to soar, with 96.6 million YouTube users, 91.7 million WhatsApp users, and 90.3 million TikTok users relying on mobile networks daily.
Satellite Internet to Expand Access
The government is also opening the door to satellite internet services, with applications already received from global players, including companies from the United States and China. Shaza Fatima noted that licensing rules are being finalized to ensure only providers meeting strict quality standards can operate.
- Key condition: Licenses can be revoked if providers fail to meet performance or regulatory requirements.
- Impact: Satellite internet could bring high-speed connectivity to remote and rural areas where traditional networks are limited.
This move aligns with global trends, as satellite internet providers like Starlink have transformed access in other regions. Pakistan aims to adopt similar technologies to bridge the digital divide.
New Submarine Cables for Stronger Networks
To further strengthen connectivity, Pakistan is investing in three new submarine cable projects. Unlike the existing system, where all cables land in Karachi, the new network will include landing stations in other coastal cities like Gwadar. This diversification will enhance network resilience and reduce dependency on a single hub.
- Current challenge: Only 14% of telecom towers in Pakistan are connected to fibre optic networks, limiting high-speed data transfer.
- Solution: Expanding fibre optic infrastructure alongside submarine cables will support faster and more stable connections.
These cables are expected to handle the growing demand for data, especially as Pakistan’s digital economy expands with increased e-commerce, online education, and social media usage.
Why This Matters for Pakistan
Pakistan’s digital landscape is booming, with millions of users relying on the internet for communication, entertainment, and business. However, slow speeds and limited access in rural areas have hindered progress. The government’s reforms aim to address these challenges by modernizing infrastructure and ensuring broader access.
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The minister emphasized that improving internet connectivity is a national priority. “We are committed to providing fast, reliable, and accessible internet to every corner of Pakistan,” Shaza Fatima said. “These reforms will support our growing digital economy and connect more people than ever before.”
What’s Next?
The spectrum auction is expected to roll out in the coming months, with the finance minister leading the process to ensure fairness. Satellite internet licensing rules will be finalized soon, paving the way for global providers to enter the market. Meanwhile, the submarine cable projects are already in progress, with completion timelines to be announced.
These upgrades signal a new era for Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, promising faster speeds, better reliability, and wider access for millions of users.
