The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) said that broadband subscriptions in Pakistan had reached 100 million in a press statement.
Celebrating the achievement, PTA said in a tweet, “Thanks to the policies of the caretaker governments, effective competition among telecom operators, and PTA’s commitment to launch and leverage innovative technologies, Pakistan has achieved a historic 100 million broadband subscriptions.”
In 2012, there were less than 2 million subscribers, but since the launch of 3G services, that number has grown to 16 million in 2014, 100 million in 2021.
Currently, about 87 percent of the population uses low-cost internet/broadband services.
Also, broadband on a 3G/4G network provides download speeds of 17.7 Mbps and upload speeds of 11.3 Mbps (cellular) above the other regional countries’ speed level.
Cellular data prices fell to just 0.70% of GNI (Gross national income) per capita, less than the 2% recommended by the United Nations Broadband Commission.
The statement further said that PTCL, including four National Mobile Cellular Operators (CMOS), SCO, and Fixed Fast Line Operators, has collectively acquired more than 100 million broadband subscriptions.
This milestone was made possible by increasing data services in every segment of the economy and introducing new and innovative operators.
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Over the years, Pakistan’s telecom sector has achieved many milestones, such as reaching 100 million mobile subscribers in 2010, launching the first biometrically verified SIM nationwide in 2009, and launching the world’s first open-source DIRBS in 2019.
“PTA commends its users and service providers for taking pride in achieving this goal. We will soon officially celebrate this opportunity with all national/international telecommunications and stakeholders.”