- July 31, 2026
- Posted by: Tresmark
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The government is considering abolishing right-of-way (RoW) fees for telecom infrastructure as part of the proposed National Connectivity Plan (NCP) to accelerate fibre-optic network deployment and expand high-speed internet access across Pakistan.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, attended by Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja and senior officials. The meeting focused on improving broadband access in villages, remote areas and smaller towns to bridge the digital divide and support economic growth.
Among the key reforms under consideration are the elimination of RoW charges, the introduction of a single-window approval system, district-level licensing, and mandatory fixed broadband connectivity for public institutions, schools and healthcare facilities. Officials also discussed targeted tax incentives for internet users in underserved regions to boost digital inclusion.
RoW fees are levied on telecom operators for installing fibre-optic cables and related infrastructure across public and private land. Industry experts have argued that removing these charges would lower deployment costs and speed up the expansion of broadband networks.
Officials highlighted that Pakistan currently has 2.8 million fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) subscribers, a fibre network spanning 234,000 kilometres, 5.1 million house passes, and six operational submarine cables.
Under the NCP, the government aims to expand fibre coverage to 10 million house passes, increase average fixed broadband speeds to 85 Mbps, raise tower fibreisation to 60%, and position Pakistan among the world's top 50 countries for broadband performance.
Ahad Cheema said the government would finalise the National Connectivity Plan after consultations with stakeholders, reaffirming its commitment to providing affordable, reliable high-speed internet and supporting freelancers, digital entrepreneurs and businesses across the country.
