The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced a significant milestone in the country’s telecom industry, reporting that Pakistan now has 193,238,238 cellular subscribers as of November 2024. This marks a mobile teledensity of 79.10%, a positive indicator of the widespread adoption of mobile services across the nation. The expansion of cellular services continues to make mobile connectivity more accessible to the population, further solidifying the telecom sector’s role in Pakistan’s digital transformation.
In addition to cellular subscriber growth, mobile broadband has also seen impressive expansion. The number of mobile broadband subscribers has surged to 139 million, resulting in a mobile penetration rate of 56.90%. This growth reflects the increasing demand for high-speed internet access, particularly in the face of rapid digitalization, as more people rely on mobile networks for internet access in both urban and rural areas. Pakistan’s growing mobile broadband subscriber base is a testament to the country’s progress toward expanding internet access nationwide.
The fixed-line sector, however, remains relatively smaller in comparison. Fixed telephone subscribers were recorded at 3 million, with a fixed teledensity of just 1.10%. While these numbers show limited growth in the fixed-line sector, the continued expansion of broadband services indicates a shift toward wireless communications, which are more adaptable and accessible in an increasingly mobile world.
Broadband subscriptions, which include both mobile and fixed broadband services, reached 143 million by November 2024. This accounts for a broadband penetration rate of 58.39%, showcasing the country’s growing reliance on broadband services. The increase in broadband penetration indicates a continued rise in digital connectivity, helping to bridge the digital divide and foster digital inclusion among Pakistan’s population.
Despite the overall positive trends in Pakistan’s telecom sector, PTA also took significant steps to address security concerns. Parliamentary Secretary Sajid Mehdi informed the National Assembly (NA) that 86,000 SIM cards had been blocked due to involvement in anti-state activities. This move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that telecom services are not misused and to mitigate the spread of harmful content.
The government has also been taking steps to combat misinformation and enhance cybersecurity. In response to a notice filed by Asiya Naz Tanoli regarding the proliferation of fake news on social media, Sajid Mehdi confirmed that the government had temporarily blocked the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He further revealed that the government is working on amendments to the Electronic Crimes Act to strengthen regulations and address the growing concerns about fake news and digital misinformation.
Moreover, the secretary confirmed that measures to restrict the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) had been implemented to control the flow of misinformation. These actions are part of a broader government strategy to enhance the safety and security of digital platforms and ensure the integrity of online information.
As Pakistan’s telecom sector continues to grow, the PTA’s latest report paints an optimistic picture for the future of digital connectivity in the country. The increasing mobile broadband penetration and the expansion of broadband services are key milestones in Pakistan’s digital evolution, while the government’s efforts to curb misinformation highlight the need for a balanced approach to digital security.
