Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has approved the adoption of WiFi 7 and subsequent WiFi generations within the 6 GHz band (5925–6425 MHz), marking a significant policy move aimed at advancing the country’s digital connectivity. According to PTA, this decision aligns with the parameters earlier set for WiFi 6E and places Pakistan among the early adopters of WiFi 7 in the Asia-Pacific region. The step underscores a broader strategy to deliver faster, more reliable wireless connectivity across multiple sectors, strengthening the country’s ongoing digital transformation agenda and supporting the demands of next-generation technologies.
WiFi 7 brings with it ultra-high data rates, reduced latency and improved reliability, making it well-suited for emerging applications such as 8K streaming, augmented reality, virtual reality and industrial automation. By utilizing additional spectrum capacity in the 6 GHz band, WiFi 7 can help ease congestion that has built up in legacy frequency ranges, which in turn enhances the quality of service for end users. These technical improvements are expected to enable households, businesses and public institutions to access better-performing wireless networks, laying the groundwork for more advanced digital services and seamless connectivity in high-density environments.
In its statement, PTA emphasized that adopting WiFi 7 will not only deliver superior user experiences but also help reduce broadband delivery costs. The move is expected to strengthen connectivity for households, small and medium enterprises, educational campuses, healthcare facilities and smart cities. Improved digital infrastructure supported by this new technology is anticipated to drive innovation, expand access to essential services and increase productivity across diverse sectors. For many organizations, it may also open the door to deploy bandwidth-intensive applications and services without the constraints experienced on older WiFi standards.
PTA further highlighted that this milestone reflects its commitment to bridging the digital divide, enhancing network resilience and fostering an inclusive digital economy. The authority stated it would continue developing policies and regulations that encourage the adoption of advanced technologies and support Pakistan’s long-term digital growth. By enabling WiFi 7, Pakistan is positioning its connectivity landscape to meet rising data demands while creating a more reliable environment for both consumers and enterprises. This step is part of an ongoing effort to provide high-quality connectivity that can underpin innovation, support digital services and contribute to the country’s broader development objectives.
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