In order to bridge the gap of the digital divide, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has declared a groundbreaking initiative of providing free internet to the HEC-recognized Universities.
This initiative of the PTA is achieved through collaboration with major telecom stakeholders. This initiative includes free Wi-Fi hotspots, smartphone distribution, and internet access programs targeted at youth across the country.
Free Wi-Fi at HEC-Recognized Universities
PTA, in partnership with PTCL, Transworld, Nayatel, Cybernet, and Wateen, has launched a 6-month free Wi-Fi service at selected HEC-recognized universities, including all-women universities.
The major objective behind taking this remarkable step is to facilitate students which are belonging from underprivileged families, by giving them flawless internet access for various educational and research purposes.
Key Highlights:
• Free Wi-Fi is available at selected public and private universities.
• Special focus on women’s accessibility to digital resources.
• Initiative spans across urban and rural campuses.
Smartphone Distribution for Women
200 locally assembled smartphones will be distributed free of cost to female SIM card holders to promote or boost digital accessibility. The selection process will be continued through a computerized ballot system. This system will likely promote fairness and transparency. This program will be rolled out in Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
Read more: PTA resumes registration of VPN service providers
A Milestone in Pakistan’s Telecom Sector
The announcement comes at a historic moment as Pakistan’s telecom sector hits a new milestone with:
• Over 200 million telecom subscribers,
• 125 million+ broadband users, and
• More than 15 million FTTH (Fiber to the Home) connections.
To commemorate this achievement, PTA and major mobile network operators are offering a free data package on June 20, 2025:
• 2 GB of data
• 200 on-net minutes
• Activation via code *2200#
Digital Outreach to Balochistan and Merged Districts
A broader Digital Outreach Program has also been launched by PTA, PTCL, Ufone, and the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication. This includes:
• Establishing internet setups in underserved universities.
• Distribution of free laptops to deserving students in Balochistan and the merged tribal districts.
What will be the positive Impacts of the Initiative?
This initiative has the immense capacity to change lives, especially in marginalized regions.
Empowering Students:
• Students will now have better access to various facilities such as
- Online lectures
- Digital libraries
- Research journals.
• Enhanced educational equity for students in remote areas.
Women’s Digital Inclusion:
• Smartphone distribution specifically for women aims to narrow the gender digital divide.
• Enables female participation in online education, e-commerce, and digital careers.
Boost to Pakistan’s Digital Economy:
• Free internet and device access can nurture a new wave of tech-savvy graduates.
• Promotes innovation, startups, and freelancing, contributing to economic growth.
PTA’s Vision for a Connected Pakistan
PTA emphasized again its strong dedication to digitally empowering Pakistan, guaranteeing that students, regardless of their background, have equal access to technology. These steps highlight a strategic foresight vision where connectivity is a right.