The government rolls out an ambitious National Fiberization Plan aimed at delivering high-speed broadband to 10 million households by 2029.
Pakistan is preparing for a major leap in digital connectivity as the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has set an ambitious target: a minimum fixed broadband speed of 100 Mbps for every user in the country. This vision marks a significant step toward building a digitally strong Pakistan capable of supporting future technologies and economic growth.
Consultant for Pakistan’s First National Fiberization Policy
To turn this vision into reality, MoITT will hire a specialized consulting firm to design the National Fiberization Policy and Plan—the first of its kind in Pakistan.
This initiative is part of the World Bank–backed Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP), which aims to upgrade high-speed broadband, expand internet access, and support the government’s digital transformation goals.
Read more: Pakistan to expand fiber optic connectivity to 7.5 million homes in five years
“For a technopreneur, fiber is not infrastructure—it is oxygen and digital power. This fiberization plan is Pakistan’s launchpad. Every startup, every smart city, every digital service depends on it. If Pakistan wants to leapfrog, not just catch up, then fiber to every home is non-negotiable. Pakistan cannot build an AI-driven, cloud-powered, data-centric future without deep fiber. If we deliver this rollout with precision, we unlock a digital economy that can outpace the region; if we delay, we suffocate innovation before it begins,” said Dr Noman A. Said, an IT exporter and entrepreneur.
Expanding Fiber Coverage Nationwide
A major focus of the new policy is to significantly expand fixed broadband coverage. The Ministry aims to deploy 8–10 million new fiber-based house passes across the country.
Moreover, the government is leaving no stone unturned to improve mobile network performance by ensuring that 80% of telecom towers are connected to fiber, a crucial requirement for strengthening 4G services and preparing for Pakistan’s eventual 5G rollout.
These upgrades are also designed to help Pakistan break into the top 50 countries on Ookla’s global internet speed index.
National Gap Assessment to Identify Weak Areas
The consultant will first conduct a national gap assessment, which will include:
• Mapping Pakistan’s existing fiber network
• Studying service availability and coverage
• Identifying gaps in quality, latency, and affordability
• Analyzing incentives and barriers for telecom operators
The firm will also benchmark Pakistan’s fiber development using global indicators such as the Fiber Development Index (FDI).
Developing a Long-Term Fiber Strategy
Based on the assessment, the consultant will prepare a comprehensive National Fiberization Strategy, detailing:
• Investment and financing models
• Public-private partnership (PPP) opportunities
• Priority areas for fiber expansion
• Measures to protect networks from cyber threats and natural disasters
Bankable feasibility studies will be prepared to attract both local and international investors.
Read more: 5.5 million rural Pakistanis to receive high-speed internet under Rs 13 billion USF projects
Legal and Regulatory Reforms on the Way
The policy will also propose updates to outdated laws and regulations that currently slow broadband expansion. These may include reforms related to:
• Spectrum use
• Incentives for fiber backhaul
• Reduction of infrastructure costs for private operators
A Foundation for Pakistan’s Digital Future
After the finalization, the National Fiberization Policy will become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s digital economy which guarantees faster, more reliable, and affordable broadband for millions, and powers the country toward a modern, connected future.