A new report from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has revealed that only a quarter of the country’s Telecom Infrastructure Provider (TIP) license holders are making meaningful contributions to Pakistan’s digital development. Despite significant demand for improved connectivity, fiber expansion and robust infrastructure, the majority of licensed companies have yet to deliver substantial progress.
According to the PTA document, 24 TIP licenses have been issued to date. Out of these, 19 companies have commenced operations while five remain non-operational despite holding valid licenses. Among the operational entities, 14 providers have deployed optical fiber networks — a critical component for expanding high-speed connectivity across Pakistan.
However, the report highlights that only six of these licensees have managed to lay at least 300 kilometers of fiber infrastructure. This means that just 25% of TIP holders have achieved what the PTA considers meaningful progress in nationwide telecom infrastructure expansion.
The findings underscore ongoing challenges in Pakistan’s efforts to accelerate digital connectivity. Fiber deployment remains the backbone of modern telecommunications, enabling high-speed mobile internet, stable broadband and next-generation technologies such as 5G. Yet, the limited rollout by TIP licensees suggests that progress is not keeping pace with demand.
Industry observers note several potential reasons behind the slow development, including high deployment costs, right-of-way issues, regulatory hurdles and financial constraints for smaller TIP licensees. The PTA report, however, stresses that the limited progress is hindering the country’s broader objective of strengthening digital services, enhancing economic inclusion and supporting nationwide technological growth.
The PTA’s assessment also reinforces the need for stronger oversight and more effective performance benchmarks to ensure that license holders actively contribute to infrastructure expansion. Without reliable and widespread fiber connectivity, Pakistan risks slower adoption of modern digital services and reduced competitiveness in the global digital economy.
As the government continues to promote initiatives like Digital Pakistan and expand telecom accessibility into underserved areas, the role of TIP licensees becomes increasingly important. The PTA’s findings are expected to prompt discussions within the telecom sector, urging companies to accelerate their rollout efforts and align their operations with national connectivity goals.
With digital transformation now central to economic growth, the report serves as a critical reminder that infrastructure must evolve at the same pace as technology — and that licensed operators must deliver on their commitments to support Pakistan’s digital future.
