Pakistan’s mobile network infrastructure is steadily strengthening as fiberization across cell sites continues to rise. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the proportion of fiber-connected mobile sites increased to 17.9% in 2025, up from 14.8% in 2024, marking a 3.1 percentage point gain within a year.
The growth reflects accelerated investment in backhaul infrastructure, a critical foundation for high-speed mobile broadband and future 5G readiness. As of June 2025, Pakistan had 58,423 total cell sites, of which 56,694 were 4G-enabled. Installed international bandwidth reached 17.21 Tbps, while total data usage climbed to 27,727 petabytes.
Network expansion has followed a consistent upward trajectory over the past three years. In 2024, Pakistan operated 55,777 cell sites with 14.8% fiberization. In 2023, the network comprised 53,581 sites with 13.2% fiberization, and in 2022, 51,768 sites with 11.8% fiberization. The data highlights steady progress in modernizing mobile infrastructure nationwide.
Data consumption continues to surge. Total usage in 2025 reached 27,727 petabytes, up from 25,141 petabytes in 2024, representing year-on-year growth of around 10%. Fixed broadband accounted for 13,574 petabytes, while mobile data usage reached 14,153 petabytes, underscoring strong demand across both segments.
Historical trends further illustrate sustained momentum. In 2023, total data consumption stood at 20,235 petabytes, rising from 16,250 petabytes in 2022 and 12,572 petabytes in 2021. Growth has been evenly distributed between fixed and mobile networks, reflecting deeper digital adoption across households and enterprises.
International connectivity capacity has also expanded. Installed international bandwidth now stands at 17.21 Tbps, with 13.01 Tbps activated. PTCL operates major submarine cable systems including AAE-1, IMEWE, and SMW4. Transworld runs TWA-1 and SMW5, Cybernet operates the PEACE cable, and SCO manages the Pakistan–China OFC link. Together, these systems form the backbone of Pakistan’s global internet connectivity.
The combination of rising fiberization, expanding site density, and growing international capacity signals a gradual but structural upgrade of Pakistan’s mobile networks, positioning the country for higher performance, greater resilience, and next-generation services.
Source: https://meatechwatch.com/2026/01/12/pakistans-mobile-networks-get-upgraded-as-fiberization-jumps/
