Broadband Usage in Pakistan Hits All-Time High in FY2024-25
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan’s data consumption surged to unprecedented levels in FY2024-25, with citizens using a staggering 27,897 petabytes (approximately 28 billion gigabytes) through mobile and fixed broadband services, according to the latest figures from the telecom sector.
The dramatic rise in broadband usage reflects the country’s growing dependence on digital connectivity in everyday life and underscores the urgent need for further investment in internet infrastructure.
Both the federal government and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) have emphasized broadband’s critical role in driving economic growth, promoting digital inclusion, and advancing the goals of the ‘Digital Pakistan’ initiative.
Since the launch of 3G and 4G services in 2014, Pakistan’s broadband ecosystem has experienced significant expansion. Between FY2016 and 2021, the PTA implemented multiple spectrum auctions and renewals, restructured spectrum allocations, and introduced stricter rollout requirements for telecom operators.
These initiatives have fueled the widespread adoption of 4G services and laid the groundwork for future technological upgrades.
The impact of these reforms is reflected in the rapid growth of broadband subscriptions. From FY2018 to March 2025, the number of broadband users surged by 151%, climbing from 58.7 million to 147.2 million. This growth includes both mobile and fixed broadband users and indicates rising demand for high-speed internet access across both urban and rural areas.
With data usage hitting record highs, experts say continued policy focus, infrastructure development, and digital literacy efforts will be essential to sustaining Pakistan’s digital transformation.
Pakistan Offers World’s Cheapest Mobile Data
Pakistanis are benefiting from some of the most affordable mobile data rates globally, with the cost of 1 GB falling sharply to just Rs 27.0 during the first half of FY2025. This marks a 65 percent drop from Rs 77.1 per GB recorded in FY2018, according to the Economic Survey 2024-25.
The steep reduction in data prices is credited to proactive regulatory policies and a highly competitive broadband market, positioning Pakistan’s telecom sector among the world’s most cost-effective.
At just around US$0.10 per GB, Pakistan now offers the lowest mobile data rates in South Asia and ranks sixth lowest globally.
Officials from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) attribute this ongoing decline to their sustained efforts to balance affordability for consumers with sustainable returns for telecom operators and investors.
The continued fall in data costs is expected to accelerate digital inclusion, enabling greater internet access across the country and supporting Pakistan’s broader digital transformation goals.
