Major Telecom Policy Shift
Pakistan has removed the right of way fee for telecom infrastructure. Previously, operators paid around PKR 36,000 per kilometre to lay fibre-optic cables and install telecom equipment. Now, the government has reduced this fee to zero. This move lowers infrastructure costs and speeds up fibre and 5G deployment. As a result, Pakistan strengthens its digital expansion strategy and improves nationwide connectivity.
What this fee means for telecom projects
The right of way fee is a charge applied when telecom companies use public land for infrastructure. This includes laying fibre cables under roads and installing mobile towers on government property. In Pakistan, these charges varied across regions. However, they increased project costs and slowed network expansion, especially outside major cities. Operators also faced delays due to administrative approvals.
Impact on telecom operators
Removing this fee reduces a major financial barrier for telecom companies. It improves their ability to invest in network expansion. As a result, operators can reduce infrastructure costs, expand fibre networks faster, improve rural coverage plans, and attract new private investment. Companies like Jazz, Zong, and others are expected to benefit significantly from this change.
Faster fibre rollout ahead
Pakistan still has very low fibre penetration compared to global standards. Fixed broadband usage remains limited, and fibre-to-the-home coverage is below 2 percent. In addition, most mobile towers still lack fibre backhaul, which affects internet speed and stability. With the new policy in place, operators can expand fibre networks more efficiently. Over time, users should see better speeds and improved reliability, especially in underserved areas.
Support for 5G expansion
Fibre connectivity is essential for 5G networks. Each 5G tower depends on high-capacity fibre links to handle data traffic. With lower deployment costs, telecom companies can install more towers and expand coverage faster. This supports Pakistan’s plan to introduce commercial 5G services in major cities in the near future.
When users will notice changes
The benefits will not appear immediately. Instead, telecom companies will gradually reinvest savings into infrastructure projects. Over the next one to two years, users may experience improved coverage, faster mobile data, and more stable connections. However, results will depend on how quickly operators scale up fibre deployment.
Wider digital transformation efforts
This reform is part of Pakistan’s broader digital strategy. The government is also working on 5G spectrum auctions and improving international connectivity through submarine cable projects. Together, these efforts aim to improve nationwide internet access and reduce the digital divide between urban and rural regions.
Final outlook
The removal of the right of way fee is a major telecom policy reform. It reduces costs, supports faster infrastructure development, and strengthens Pakistan’s path toward 5G. Although improvements will take time, this decision lays the foundation for a more connected and digitally advanced future.
