The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has announced an ambitious plan to ensure a minimum fixed broadband speed of 100 Mbps for all users across Pakistan, marking a significant step in the country’s digital transformation. To achieve this, MoITT will hire a consulting firm to develop Pakistan’s first National Fiberization Policy and Plan.
The initiative falls under the World Bank–supported Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP) and aims to enhance high-speed connectivity, expand fiber infrastructure, and strengthen Pakistan’s broader digital economy.
The policy targets the deployment of 8-10 million new optical-fiber-based house passes nationwide and seeks to connect 80 percent of telecom towers to fiber, improving 4G reliability and laying the groundwork for future 5G networks. These efforts are expected to help Pakistan climb into the top 50 countries in global internet speed rankings.
The assigned consultancy will conduct a national gap assessment, mapping the current fiber network, analyzing service availability, and identifying gaps in coverage, latency, penetration, and operator incentives.
Using international benchmarks such as the Fiber Development Index (FDI), the consultant will draft a detailed National Fiberization Strategy and Operational Plan, including investment models, governance structures, and bankable feasibility studies to attract both local and international investment through public-private partnerships (PPP).
The strategy will also prioritize new fiber deployment areas, recommend measures to enhance network resilience against disasters and cyber threats, and support legal and regulatory reforms.
These reforms may address spectrum use, incentives for fiber backhaul, and reducing capital cost barriers for private operators, ensuring the policy aligns with global best practices.
Once implemented, the National Fiberization Policy will serve as a foundational document for Pakistan’s digital future, enabling faster, more reliable, and affordable broadband services nationwide, and supporting the country’s goal of widespread digital inclusion.
