Telecom Infrastructure Facts

Its newly deregulated sector is taking off -- and may lift the economy.

Telephone connections

Telephone density has been improved in Pakistan. Now over 4 million working connections are available in the country.

Cellular Phone Growth

Growth of Cellular has been tremendous in Pakistan. From 130,000 users in January 2000, it has increased to over 1.2/million users. Prepaid card has played a major role.

It is expected that with current growth rate (over 500%) during next two-three years Cellular phone would cross land lines telephone numbers in Pakistan.

PAKSAT 1

Pakistan own satellite, PAKSAT 1 was launched in April 2004.

Internet Bandwidth

There has been exponential growth in Internet bandwidth during last two years. It would cross 1Gbit in few months time, with growth rate of over 300 %. Flag, SEMEA III and connectivity to various Telcos is in progress.

Internet User Growth

Tremendous growth has been shown in use of Internet in Pakistan. In June 2000 only 29 cities were linked to Internet back bone, now there are 1000 cities and towns where Internet connectivity is available.

With wide coverage numbers of users have also been increase. Now there over 4 / million Internet users, with 1.2 million connections and over 150 ISPs are operating in various cities of Pakistan.
Process for ISP license is very simple and license is issued in 7 days, if all formalities are completed.

Fibre Optic, DSL, WLL, DXX, PCO

There are over 250 cities linked with national telecom backbone of fibre optic. Data services division of Pakistan Telecom also provides services for DXX, WLL, DSL and other value added services.

Public Call Office culture has fully developed and now there are more than 50,000 public call offices operating all over the country.