Islamabad, Dec 19: The PTA outlined substantial progress in Pakistan’s telecom and digital infrastructure over the past fiscal year. Key achievements include. Subscriber Milestone: Broadband subscriptions reached 142.3 million, marking a 91% increase over the past five years, with a penetration rate of 58.4%. Of the 55,777 operational cell sites, 95.5% support 4G technology.
National Fiberization Plan: Implemented to enhance connectivity and prepare for the 5G ecosystem, set for rollout by mid-2025. 6GHz Spectrum Band: Introduced for unlicensed use, making Pakistan the 10th Asian nation to adopt next-gen Wi-Fi technology.
Three-Factor Authentication, Introduced measures like a Multi-Finger Biometric Verification System to address SIM-related fraud. Extended buffer times for new SIM activations. Blocked over 5.8 million inactive SIMs as part of a data-cleansing initiative.
Global Cybersecurity Ranking: Pakistan’s ranking improved from 79th to 40th in the Global Cybersecurity Index. Launched a tier-3 Data Center. Established a National Telecom Security Operations Center. Collaborated with international partners to bolster digital security.
Joined UNICEF’s Disrupting Harm Programme. Digital literacy training in 100 schools. Partnered with Meta to launch the Urdu version of the ‘TakeItDown’ portal.
Quality of Service (QoS) Surveys: Ensured reliable telecom services across the country. Mobile Device Production: 94% of mobile devices were produced locally, reflecting a significant contribution to economic growth and self-reliance.
The PTA’s advancements align with the Digital Pakistan vision, emphasizing connectivity, security, and inclusivity, fostering an environment for continued economic and technological growth.