Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) in Pakistan have completed almost 90% of the required 4G infrastructure upgrades across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). This milestone comes despite extreme weather conditions and challenging terrain, which have historically made connectivity projects in these mountainous regions difficult to achieve. The rollout marks a significant expansion of mobile broadband services, fulfilling key requirements set by PTA in the wake of the 2021 spectrum auction.
The upgrades mean residents in AJ&K and GB now have access to reliable high-speed internet, addressing longstanding gaps in connectivity. Telecom operators confirmed that 4G data enablement is now active across most upgraded sites, bringing meaningful change to local communities that previously had limited or no digital access. A PTA spokesperson noted that beyond bridging the digital divide, enhanced mobile broadband will support crucial sectors such as tourism, e-commerce, online education, and telehealth. With dependable 4G now in place, businesses and individuals in these regions are expected to experience greater opportunities for growth and participation in Pakistan’s expanding digital ecosystem.
According to industry officials, the rollout is part of the mandatory license obligations defined in the 2021 spectrum auction, which required operators to extend coverage in underserved areas. CMOs have invested heavily in network expansion and modern infrastructure to meet these commitments, while also responding to growing public demand for stable data services. PTA has confirmed that it is closely monitoring the quality of network services and ongoing expansion efforts, given the added complexity of ensuring reliable connectivity in regions prone to harsh climates and natural disruptions. Industry experts also suggest that as telecom companies continue investing in next-generation technologies, further improvements are likely in both coverage and service reliability.
The socio-economic impact of this expansion is expected to be far-reaching. Better connectivity in AJ&K and GB is poised to unlock new opportunities for local entrepreneurs, allowing them to participate in digital markets, while also providing students with greater access to online learning platforms. Similarly, healthcare access stands to improve through telemedicine services that require robust mobile broadband to function effectively. For tourism-dependent communities, reliable internet will enable businesses to engage visitors more effectively, promote services online, and attract investment. As Pakistan moves toward closing the national digital divide, the success of this rollout demonstrates the critical role telecom infrastructure plays in enabling inclusive economic growth and ensuring remote regions are part of the country’s digital progress.
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