The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication MoITT has announced a major effort to elevate Pakistan’s digital connectivity by setting a target of delivering a minimum fixed broadband speed of 100 Mbps for users across the country. This move is part of a broader national initiative aimed at enhancing the performance, availability and reach of digital infrastructure. To support this objective, MoITT plans to hire a consulting firm tasked with preparing Pakistan’s first National Fiberization Policy and Plan. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to accelerate fiber network expansion so that digital services can be more accessible and reliable for households, businesses and public sector institutions across urban and rural regions.
This effort is being undertaken as a component of the Digital Economy Enhancement Project DEEP, which is supported by the World Bank. The project is designed to help improve connectivity, strengthen digital systems and provide the tools required for long term transformation across government services and the broader economy. As part of the new policy’s implementation, MoITT aims to significantly expand fixed broadband coverage by enabling the rollout of 8 million to 10 million new optical fiber based house passes across Pakistan. In addition to household connectivity, the Ministry is also focused on boosting the performance and reliability of mobile networks. A core target is to ensure that 80 percent of telecom towers are fiber connected, a step viewed as essential for improving the quality of 4G networks and preparing Pakistan for future 5G introduction. These improvements are expected to support the country’s goal of rising into the top 50 countries on Ookla’s global speed rankings.
The consultant engaged for this initiative will conduct a comprehensive national assessment to evaluate the current status of fiber deployment. The study will map the existing network footprint, examine service availability and identify gaps related to coverage, quality, latency, penetration and operator level investment incentives. It will also benchmark Pakistan’s progress using indicators such as the Fiber Development Index to ensure that policy recommendations align with global best practices. This analysis will be used to build a detailed National Fiberization Strategy that outlines operational steps, investment pathways and governance frameworks for coordinated public and private participation. The plan will further include bankable feasibility studies aimed at attracting both domestic and international investors through public private partnership models. Priority zones for future fiber deployment will be identified, with recommendations to enhance the resilience of fiber networks against disasters and cyber security risks.
Legal and regulatory improvements are expected to serve as an integral part of the new policy framework. The consultant will propose updates to laws and directives that currently contribute to bottlenecks in broadband expansion. These may include reforms related to spectrum use, incentives for fiber backhaul, municipal and right of way processes and measures to reduce capital barriers faced by private sector operators. MoITT sees the National Fiberization Policy as a foundational document that will guide Pakistan toward faster, more affordable and more dependable broadband services. Strengthening fiber infrastructure is viewed as essential for supporting the country’s social and economic aspirations, including digital inclusion, service innovation and improved connectivity for communities nationwide.
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