The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) has expanded its public Wi-Fi initiative to cover 22 cities across the province, enhancing internet accessibility for millions of residents. The authority has significantly increased the number of free public access points in Lahore, growing the total from 230 to 430, while extending the service to an additional 11 districts. The cities now benefiting from this expansion include Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Gujrat, Jhelum, Attock, Hasan Abdal, Sahiwal, Okara, and Murree.
This expansion marks a substantial step in the province’s strategy to bridge the digital divide and improve urban and semi-urban connectivity. The public Wi-Fi service, which originally launched in select areas of Lahore, has seen rapid user adoption. According to PSCA figures, the platform has facilitated internet access for more than 37.22 million users, with total data consumption exceeding 905 terabytes. These metrics highlight growing public reliance on free internet access, particularly in high-footfall areas such as markets, transport hubs, and educational zones.
In response to rising user demand and the increasing volume of data traffic, PSCA has upgraded its network infrastructure to Wi-Fi 6. This latest wireless standard offers faster speeds, lower latency, and improved performance under heavy usage, especially in areas with a high concentration of users. The adoption of Wi-Fi 6 technology aligns with global trends and positions Punjab’s public internet infrastructure among the most modern in the region.
The initiative reflects the government’s broader vision to implement smart city solutions that serve citizens in everyday life. Through enhanced internet connectivity, the project supports digital inclusion and ensures that individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds can access digital services, education, and information resources. By placing Wi-Fi points in public spaces, the service offers convenience and mobility while contributing to an increasingly connected urban experience.
Recent activity under the initiative included the activation of free Wi-Fi services in Gujrat city, further demonstrating PSCA’s intent to extend its digital infrastructure to all parts of the province. The selection of new cities indicates a focused effort to target areas with growing population densities and evolving digital needs.
PSCA continues to monitor usage trends and feedback to optimize the network’s performance and accessibility. The integration of next-generation wireless standards is expected to make the network more efficient and responsive, particularly in managing simultaneous users in crowded public areas. This initiative also complements other technology-driven efforts by the authority to modernize city services and expand digital access throughout Punjab.
