Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has released a detailed report on the expansion of telecom infrastructure in the country, revealing that 17,800 new mobile sites have been established in the past ten years. This brings the total number of mobile sites across Pakistan to 57,800, marking significant progress in network expansion. However, the report also raises the question of whether this pace of growth is sufficient to meet the demands of 5G rollout.
According to PTA, telecom operators are required to deploy 445 new base transceiver station (BTS) sites annually, distributed regionally to ensure fair coverage. Punjab accounts for 245 of these, Sindh 105, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 65, and Balochistan 30. With more than 200 million telecom subscribers and a broadband user base surpassing 150 million, network expansion remains critical to keeping pace with increasing demand. PTA emphasized that bridging the digital divide, particularly in rural and underserved areas, is one of the government’s key priorities.
The report noted improvements in service quality, citing Wi-Fi calling and VoLTE services as contributors to better voice call performance. Infrastructure sharing among telecom operators is further helping reduce costs while increasing efficiency. National roaming services have also been introduced on important routes, including the Makran Coastal Highway, allowing users to remain connected in previously underserved locations. At the same time, PTA confirmed preparations for the launch of 5G services, with supporting infrastructure and regulatory frameworks being aligned for future deployment.
Connectivity initiatives under the Universal Service Fund (USF) continue to play a pivotal role in extending coverage to rural and remote areas. In FY 2024–25 alone, 17 projects valued at Rs 28.34 billion were completed, while 15 projects worth Rs 12.8 billion were finalised in FY 2023–24. Over the past three years, 6,589 kilometers of fiber optic cable have been laid, alongside 1,258 new BTS sites in rural regions. These projects have provided broadband access to schools, healthcare centers, and local communities, improving access to education, healthcare, and digital resources.
Despite progress, PTA acknowledged challenges that hinder faster rural network expansion. Persistent power outages and the high cost of deploying infrastructure in remote areas remain major hurdles for operators. However, the ongoing projects and policy initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening digital inclusion and reducing the urban-rural connectivity gap. PTA underlined that collaboration between government bodies, telecom operators, and private sector stakeholders is essential for advancing digital connectivity. Stronger networks, it said, will not only support digital services but also contribute significantly to economic development and social progress in Pakistan.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
