Pakistan has approved a new law that could finally address the country’s long-standing internet problems. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology recently passed the Pakistan Telecommunication Amendment Bill, designed to speed up the expansion of internet and mobile networks across the nation.
For millions of Pakistanis who have endured slow internet speeds, frequent disruptions, and limited coverage in many areas, this bill represents a potential turning point in the country’s digital journey.
Bureaucracy Has Been Strangling Network Growth
The core problem the bill tackles is red tape. Currently, telecom companies face numerous procedural hurdles when trying to install fibre optic cables and mobile towers. These delays have slowed network expansion, leaving many areas with poor connectivity even as demand for internet services continues to grow.
The new law streamlines these processes, making it easier for licensed operators to deploy infrastructure quickly. Instead of navigating complex approval systems, telecom companies will now have clearer legal pathways to install, operate, and maintain their networks.
Land Access Disputes Will No Longer Stall Projects
One of the bill’s most significant provisions simplifies Right of Way regulations. This means telecom operators will have better legal access to both public and private land for laying fibre optic cables and erecting towers. Previously, disputes over land access often delayed projects for months or even years.
With clearer rules in place, companies can now move faster to bring internet connectivity to underserved communities, from rural villages to densely populated urban neighbourhoods struggling with network congestion.
Government Tightens Control Over Telecom Regulators
The bill also introduces stronger government oversight of the telecommunications sector. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, which regulates the industry, will see changes to its governance structure. The federal government will now determine the salaries of PTA’s chairman and members, and the authority’s financial operations will fall under the Public Finance Management Act of 2019.
These changes aim to improve transparency and fiscal discipline in how the regulator operates. The National Telecommunication Corporation will also be restructured under a state-owned enterprises framework, potentially making it more efficient and accountable.
150 Million Users Stuck With Outdated Networks
Pakistan’s internet infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with growing demand. The country has over 150 million internet users, making it the seventh-largest population of internet users globally. Yet many Pakistanis, particularly freelancers and remote workers, have complained bitterly about slow speeds and unreliable connections.
Recent reports show that Pakistan lags behind regional peers in telecom modernisation. Despite having a telecommunications market valued at $4.52 billion, the country has yet to launch 5G services and continues to face challenges with limited fibre optic expansion and delayed policy reforms.
Pakistan’s mobile networks are under strain because demand has grown faster than the available capacity to carry it. During peak hours in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, users routinely experience slower speeds as networks struggle to handle the volume of traffic.
Implementation Will Determine If Reform Actually Works
While the bill’s approval is a positive step, the telecom industry will be watching closely to see how quickly the new streamlined processes take effect and whether they genuinely reduce the delays that have plagued infrastructure projects.
Pakistan is also expecting significant improvements from other initiatives, including new undersea cables that will increase the country’s bandwidth capacity. A recent 45,000-kilometre cable project is expected to double Pakistan’s digital bandwidth once it goes live.
For ordinary Pakistanis, this promises faster, more reliable internet that works consistently, whether they’re working from home, running online businesses, or simply trying to stay connected with family and friends.
