On the instructions of the Chief Minister of Punjab, the CM Free Wi-Fi Service has been expanded across the province, reaching over 1,400 locations. According to Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA), this expansion represents one of the largest public internet access initiatives in the country. The network now covers 442 locations in Lahore alone, where more than 58 million users have collectively consumed approximately 1,191 terabytes of data. This scale highlights how the service has become a critical public utility, particularly in major cities where residents require consistent connectivity for education, communication and access to essential services.
Beyond Lahore, the initiative is active in 23 districts of Punjab, offering free internet at 952 public sites across key urban centers and important public locations. These hotspots are strategically placed in areas where people frequently gather, ensuring they can stay connected for vital tasks such as reaching emergency services or accessing online government platforms. In a major step towards improving educational access, the government has also announced the rollout of free Wi-Fi in 450 women’s government colleges throughout Punjab. Officials have stated that the service in colleges is designed to enhance student access to educational resources, improve safety for female students, and provide reliable connectivity for reaching emergency assistance without delay.
The program has also undergone significant upgrades to improve performance. Recent deployments include Wi-Fi 6 technology, which offers faster speeds, reduced delays and better performance in crowded areas, making it more reliable for users in high-traffic locations. In Lahore, the number of hotspots has increased from approximately 230 to over 430 within just a few months, reflecting the rapid pace of expansion and the provincial government’s commitment to improving public connectivity infrastructure. Authorities have emphasized that the free Wi-Fi service is intended primarily for essential and emergency use, such as education, communication, and access to government services. To ensure responsible usage, content filtering and usage management tools have been implemented, limiting activities such as high-bandwidth video streaming or entertainment to keep the network stable for everyone.
This initiative is part of a wider effort to transform Punjab into a more digitally connected province. By extending internet access to urban centers, public areas and educational institutions, the government is aiming to reduce the digital divide, support learning and strengthen public safety infrastructure. With this expansion, millions of residents now have greater opportunities to benefit from online resources, essential communication channels and timely information, illustrating how large-scale connectivity projects can improve everyday life across diverse communities.
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