The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has highlighted significant achievements in its annual report for the fiscal year 2023-24, showcasing a remarkable growth in broadband internet subscriptions and major advancements in digital infrastructure across the country.
According to the PTA report, broadband subscriptions surged to 142.3 million, marking an impressive 91% increase over the past five years. Broadband penetration now stands at 58.4%, supported by 55,777 operational cell sites, with 95.5% of them offering 4G technology. The implementation of the National Fiberization Plan is further enhancing connectivity and paving the way for the rollout of 5G technology, which is set to begin in mid-2025, with applications expected to impact sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and smart cities.
A major development this year was the introduction of the 6GHz spectrum band for unlicensed use, which enabled faster internet speeds. This move positioned Pakistan as the 10th Asian country to adopt next-generation Wi-Fi technology.
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Combating Fraud and Enhancing Security
To address SIM-related fraud, the PTA implemented a Three-Factor Authentication system, alongside other measures like Multi-Finger Biometric Verification and extended activation times for new SIM cards. These steps led to the blocking of over 5.8 million inactive SIMs as part of a data-cleansing initiative aimed at reducing unauthorized SIM issuance.
On the cybersecurity front, Pakistan’s ranking in the Global Cybersecurity Index improved from 79th to 40th place. The launch of a tier-3 Data Center and a National Telecom Security Operations Center strengthened the country’s telecom infrastructure and digital security framework, with ongoing collaboration with international partners.
Child Online Protection and Digital Literacy Initiatives
PTA also made strides in child online protection, partnering with UNICEF’s ‘Disrupting Harm Programme’ and conducting digital literacy training in 100 schools across Pakistan. Additionally, PTA collaborated with Meta to launch an Urdu version of the ‘TakeItDown’ portal, aimed at safeguarding children from online safety risks.
Support for Local Manufacturing and Economic Growth
In alignment with the Digital Pakistan vision, the PTA’s efforts also focused on fostering local manufacturing. As a result, 94% of mobile devices in the country are now produced domestically, contributing to economic growth and enhancing the regulatory framework. The PTA’s commitment to improving the quality of services and expanding the digital ecosystem was reflected in various initiatives aimed at promoting innovation and further strengthening the telecom sector.
