# Pakistan Finalizes Satellite Internet Framework and Targets 60% Tower Fiberisation for 5G > Pakistan is finalizing its satellite internet framework and targeting a 60 percent mobile tower fiberisation rate to support its nationwide 5G rollout. - Canonical URL: https://coreiten.com/en/article/pakistan-satellite-internet-framework-and-5g-fibre-targets - Language: en - Section: Telecom - Author: Sami - Published: 2026-10-13T20:01:59+03:00 - Modified: 2026-10-13T20:01:59+03:00 - Publisher: CoreITen (https://coreiten.com) - Keywords: Pakistan satellite internet, 5G, Fixed Satellite Services, Universal Service Fund, Class Value Added Services ## Summary Pakistan is updating its satellite internet regulations and targeting 60 percent mobile tower fiberisation to prepare for a nationwide 5G rollout. - Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced that Pakistan is finalizing its Fixed Satellite Services framework to attract investment into the satellite internet sector. - The country has landed three new submarine cables over the past two and a half years and deployed over 17,000 kilometers of optical fibre through the Universal Service Fund. - Mobile tower fiberisation currently stands at just over 19 percent, up from under 15 percent, as the government pushes toward the 60 percent target needed for 5G. - Pakistan reduced its gender gap in mobile internet usage from 38 percent to 8 percent over the past two years, according to government-cited reports. **Why it matters:** These sweeping telecom upgrades lay the groundwork for Pakistan's 5G rollout and aim to bridge critical digital divides in underserved regions. --- Pakistan is finalizing its regulatory framework for satellite internet services while setting a target to connect at least 60 percent of its mobile towers to optical fibre. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced the infrastructure goals during the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Symposium, noting that the upgrades will support the nationwide rollout of 5G. The government recently concluded consultations regarding the Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) framework and plans to finalize it shortly. Authorities aim to create a business-friendly environment to attract investment into the country's emerging satellite internet sector. According to recent reports cited by the government, Pakistan has achieved the fastest global progress in reducing the gender gap in mobile internet usage, bringing it down from 38 percent to 8 percent over the past two years. However, expanding access remains a priority, as 48 percent of the Asia-Pacific region and 2.2 billion people globally still lack internet connectivity. ### Expanding Fibre Infrastructure for 5G To support its digital infrastructure, Pakistan has landed three new submarine cables over the past two and a half years and is working on alternative international routes. Domestically, the Universal Service Fund (USF) has laid over 17,000 kilometers of optical fibre. This deployment has increased fibre broadband home passes from fewer than three million in 2024 to more than five million today. Despite this growth, mobile tower fiberisation remains a challenge. The current fiberisation rate has grown from under 15 percent to just over 19 percent. Reaching the 60 percent target is essential to provide the high-capacity backhaul infrastructure required for 5G services. Pakistan previously introduced 5G technology following an auction of 480 MHz of spectrum in March 2026. ### Local ISPs and Tech Subsidies The government is also expanding rural connectivity through Class Value Added Services (CVAS) licenses, which allow local residents to operate as internet service providers in underserved communities. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reviews the National Connectivity Plan every fortnight to monitor these efforts. Additionally, a technology-based system recently distributed fuel subsidies to more than 10 million people without requiring recipients to own a smartphone, ensuring a broader reach. ### The Role of Digital Connectivity Ultimately, the government views digital connectivity as a fundamental requirement. The ongoing infrastructure upgrades are designed to actively drive advancements in education, healthcare, disaster management, economic development, and national security. ## Sources - [techjuice.pk](https://www.techjuice.pk/pakistan-finalizes-satellite-internet-framework-targets-60-tower-fiberisation/)