As part of a nationwide overhaul of the country’s digital infrastructure, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has announced plans to ensure a minimum fixed broadband speed of 100mbps for all users across Pakistan.
To achieve this target, MoITT will hire a consulting firm to develop Pakistan’s first National Fiberization Policy and Plan. The initiative is being launched under the World Bank supported Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP) to expand fiber infrastructure, improve high-speed connectivity and advance the government’s broader digital transformation agenda.
The new policy aims to expand fixed broadband coverage by deploying 8 to 10 million optical fiber-based house passes across the country. It also seeks to improve mobile network capacity and reliability by connecting 80 percent of telecom towers to fiber. These steps are considered vital for strengthening 4G networks and preparing Pakistan for future 5G rollout.
The government hopes the effort will help Pakistan climb into the top 50 countries in Ookla’s global speed rankings.
The consultant will conduct a national gap assessment that includes mapping the current fiber network, analysing service availability and identifying gaps in quality of service, coverage, latency, penetration and operator incentives.
Pakistan’s fiber development will be benchmarked against the Fiber Development Index (FDI) and other international indicators to align with global best practices.
Following the assessment, the consultancy will prepare a detailed National Fiberization Strategy and Operational Plan. This will outline investment options, financing models and governance structures to guide participation from both public and private sectors.
Bankable feasibility studies will be developed to attract local and international investors through public private partnership models. The strategy will also highlight priority areas for new fiber deployment and recommend measures to strengthen network resilience against disasters and cyber threats.
