Spectrum Auction, Satellite Internet, and Submarine Cables to Revolutionize Connectivity
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has announced an ambitious plan to overhaul Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, promising faster internet speeds, improved connectivity, and broader access through new spectrum auctions, satellite internet licenses, and submarine cable projects.
Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, the minister said Pakistan is poised to double its internet speed by auctioning 600 MHz of spectrum, a leap from the current 274 MHz in use.
“Right now, it’s like running 8 lanes of traffic on a two-lane highway,” she remarked. “With the upcoming spectrum auction, users across Pakistan will feel a significant improvement in speed and quality.”
The auction will be overseen by the Federal Finance Minister, who heads the Spectrum Committee.
Satellite Licensing, Fibre Optics Expansion & Rising User Base
The government has also received proposals from the US, China, and other countries for satellite internet services in Pakistan. A licensing framework is being developed, and companies will be allowed to operate only after meeting strict regulatory conditions. Failure to comply could lead to license suspension or cancellation, the minister warned.
On international connectivity, Shaza revealed that all existing submarine cables currently land in Karachi, making Pakistan’s infrastructure highly centralized and vulnerable. To address this, three new submarine cable projects are underway, with plans to establish new landing stations, including one in Gwadar. These developments will be part of discussions during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to China.
Currently, only 14% of telecom towers in Pakistan are connected through fibre optic networks, while 98% of users rely on wireless broadband. To ease fibre deployment, agencies like CDA, Pakistan Railways, and the National Highway Authority have been directed to abolish right-of-way charges, starting with Islamabad.
Demand Surging Amid Low Revenue, Says PTA Official
Brig (retd) Amir Shahzad, Director General Wireless at Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), said that the spike in internet users is straining existing networks. He shared the latest figures:
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YouTube users: 96.62 million
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WhatsApp users: 91.75 million
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TikTok users: 90.3 million
Despite the growing demand, telecom companies face financial constraints, with the average monthly revenue per user (ARPU) at just $1.1 — among the lowest in the region.
Shaza Fatima reiterated the government’s commitment to improving digital access, stating,
“There is no internet in Pakistan because there is no internet. We must invest in spectrum and infrastructure now.”
