Pakistan Telecom Data Usage Soars to 27,897 Petabytes in 2024-25

The digital landscape in Pakistan continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. According to the latest data from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), telecom data usage in Pakistan reached a massive 27,897 petabytes (PB) in the fiscal year 2024-25. This marks a significant 37.84% increase over the past three years, up from 20,235 PB in 2022-23.

The rise is largely fueled by the growing reliance on streaming platforms, mobile applications, e-commerce, and online education. With more people working and studying from home, Pakistan’s appetite for high-speed data is showing no signs of slowing down.

Broadband Subscribers See Massive Growth

The number of broadband users also skyrocketed during this period. Broadband subscriptions surged from 127.6 million in 2022-23 to 150 million in 2024-25, reflecting a 17.55% increase. Compared to the previous year, this is an 8.47% jump from 138.3 million users in 2023-24.

In terms of reach, broadband penetration rose to 60.8%, up from 53.6% in 2022-23. This growing accessibility shows that internet services are becoming more common even in previously underserved areas, both urban and rural.

Telecom Subscriber Base Keeps Expanding

Pakistan’s telecom user base also witnessed consistent growth, hitting 200 million subscribers in 2024-25. This reflects a 3.36% increase from 193.5 million in 2022-23. Despite high market saturation, the industry still managed a 2.51% gain from 195.1 million in 2023-24.

Interestingly, teledensity remained relatively stable at 81.21%, compared to 80.5% the previous year. This slight movement highlights that while the market is maturing, there’s still room for incremental growth, especially through better service quality and outreach.

Network Infrastructure Expands Across Pakistan

The telecom sector’s infrastructure has also been scaling to meet rising demand. The number of cell sites increased from 53,581 in 2022-23 to 57,888 in 2024-25, which translates to an 8.03% expansion over three years.

This growth has played a crucial role in improving mobile and broadband connectivity across the country, particularly in remote and rural regions. With improved infrastructure, users are experiencing faster and more reliable internet services.

Revenue Fluctuations Despite User Growth

While user numbers are on the rise, the telecom sector’s revenue took a dip, decreasing to Rs. 803 billion in 2024-25, down 15.91% from Rs. 955 billion in 2023-24. This slight decline could be due to changes in pricing strategies, competitive pressures, or shifting user behaviors.

However, there is a silver lining. The sector’s contribution to the national exchequer rose to Rs. 271 billion, recovering from Rs. 195.1 billion last year. Even though it’s still below the Rs. 341 billion mark seen in 2022-23, the improvement is promising and shows the sector’s resilience.

Final Thoughts

The sharp rise in telecom data usage in Pakistan reflects a nation increasingly dependent on digital platforms for education, business, and entertainment. While revenues are facing temporary fluctuations, the overall growth in users, infrastructure, and broadband access indicates a strong and evolving telecom ecosystem. As more people get connected, the future of digital Pakistan looks more promising than ever.