Pakistan plans to dramatically improve its digital infrastructure by expanding fiber optic connection to 7.5 million households and achieving 80 percent fiber-to-site (FTT) coverage within the next five years, announced the Ministry of IT and Telecommunications (MOIT).
These goals form a central part of the upcoming national fiberization policy, which will be designed under Project Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP). The initiative aims to strengthen the country’s regular broadband infrastructure and raise average download speeds to 60 Mbps nationwide.
A dedicated project management unit (PMU) is recruited to oversee the development of Politics. Once PMU is established, PMU will hire a consulting firm through a competitive bid process to help end the political framework.
This strategic feature is designed to prepare Pakistan for new technologies such as 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) while ensuring robust digital connection.
The policy emphasizes investment in the private sector and aims to eliminate long-term implementation barriers by focusing on key areas, such as rationalization of right-of-way charges (row), streamlining of approval procedures and encouraging the sharing of infrastructure.
According to Moitt, Pakistan currently over 211,000 kilometers has placed optical fiber cable, split between 75,967 km long distance and 135,506 km of metrofiber. However, officials say that this infrastructure is not sufficient to meet the rising demand and develop technological needs.
Moitt telecommunications are leading the political development in collaboration with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Industry stakeholders. A number of consultations are planned to develop cost sharing models and one-window clearance systems.
The policy is also in line with wider economic goals and promotes local production of fiber optic components to reduce import dependence.
The final draft of national fiberization policy is expected to be completed by the end of the year, which sets the stage for a digitally connected and future -ready Pakistan.
