Pakistan plans to considerably improve its digital infrastructure by extending fiber optical connectivity to 7.5 million households and by making 80% fiber to site (FTTS) over the next five years, the Ministry of Computer Science and Telecommunication (MOITT) announced.
These objectives constitute a central part of the next national fiberization policy, drawn up within the framework of the project to improve the digital economy (DEEP). The initiative aims to strengthen the country’s large -strip infrastructure and increase the average download speeds to 60 Mbps on a national scale.
A dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) is recruited to supervise policy development. Once established, the PMU will hire a consulting firm thanks to a competitive tender process to help finalize the policy framework.
This strategic decision is designed to prepare Pakistan for emerging technologies such as 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT), while ensuring robust digital connectivity.
Policy emphasizes the investment of the private sector and aims to eliminate long -standing deployment obstacles by focusing on key areas such as rationalization of holding costs (line), rationalization of approval procedures and encouragement of infrastructure sharing.
According to Moitt, Pakistan currently has more than 211,000 kilometers of deployed optical fiber cable, divided between 75,967 km long-haul and 135,506 km of metro fiber. However, officials say that this infrastructure is insufficient to meet growing demand and the evolution of technological needs.
The Moitt telecommunications wing directs the development of policies in collaboration with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the stakeholders of the industry. A series of consultations is planned to develop cost sharing models and window clearance systems.
Politics are also aligned with broader economic objectives, promoting the local manufacturing of fiber optical components to reduce import dependence.
The final project of the national fibrization policy should be completed by the end of the year, preparing the field for a digitally connected and ready -made Pakistan.
