Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has announced major reforms in Pakistan’s internet and telecom infrastructure, promising faster connectivity through spectrum auctions, satellite internet licensing, and new submarine cable projects.

Spectrum auction to double internet speed

Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, Shaza Fatima said the government is working to resolve the long-standing issue of slow mobile internet. Currently, Pakistan operates on just 274 MHz spectrum, which she compared to “8 lanes of traffic running on a two-lane highway.”

She confirmed that the government will soon auction 600 MHz of spectrum, a move she said will “double the speed of the internet” across the country. The auction will be overseen by the finance minister as head of the spectrum committee.

Satellite internet licenses in pipeline

The minister revealed that requests for satellite internet services have been received from the United States, China and other countries. Once the licensing framework is finalized, companies will be allowed to operate in Pakistan, provided they meet strict requirements. Licenses may be suspended or cancelled if conditions are not met.

Expanding submarine cable network

Highlighting connectivity challenges, Shaza Fatima noted that all existing submarine cables currently land in Karachi. To diversify infrastructure, work is underway on three new submarine cables, with plans to establish landing stations in other cities, including Gwadar. She added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also discuss these projects during his upcoming visit to China.

Push for fibre optic expansion

The minister acknowledged that only 14% of telecom towers in Pakistan are fibre-connected, saying 98% of users rely on wireless broadband and only 2% use fibre optic. She said efforts are being made to expand fibre optic networks in major cities. The CDA has abolished right-of-way charges in Islamabad, while Railways and the National Highway Authority have also been directed to follow suit, easing fibre deployment.

Rising social media usage driving demand

Brigadier (retd) Amir Shahzad, the director general of wireless at the PTA, added that the sharp rise in internet users is another reason for network congestion. Pakistan now has 96.62 million YouTube users, followed by 91.75 million on WhatsApp and 90.3 million on TikTok.

He noted that the average monthly revenue per user in Pakistan is just $1.1, one of the lowest in the region, making it difficult for telecom companies to expand without government support.

Govt's digital connectivity vision

Shaza Fatima emphasized that improving telecom infrastructure is a top national priority, with a focus on expanding access, strengthening reliability, and ensuring high-speed internet for businesses and individuals alike.

“There is no internet in Pakistan because there is no internet,” she remarked, stressing the urgent need for spectrum expansion and infrastructure upgrades.