Pakistan Plans Faster Internet With a New Telecom Law
Pakistan’s government is planning to bring big changes to its telecom laws. The main goal is to make internet faster, stronger, and easier to access for people all across the country. These changes will help telecom companies build mobile towers and internet fiber cables in less time and with fewer problems.
Today, the internet is very important. People use it for study, work, business, shopping, and communication. The government believes that Pakistan needs a modern telecom system to grow in the digital world.
Why Pakistan Needs a New Telecom Law
Pakistan’s old telecom law was made many years ago. At that time:
- Internet use was low
- Smartphones were rare
- Online work and study were not common
Now, things have changed a lot. People need:
- Fast internet for online classes
- Strong mobile signals
- Good internet for offices and businesses
The government says the old law cannot fully support today’s technology. That is why a new telecom amendment law is needed.
Main Goal of the New Telecom Amendment
The new law is designed to:
- Speed up internet expansion
- Reduce delays and paperwork
- Improve government control
- Make telecom institutions more transparent
The government wants to support digital growth and make Pakistan ready for the future.
Faster Internet Expansion Across the Country
One of the biggest benefits of the new law is faster internet rollout.
Under the new rules:
- Telecom companies can install fiber cables quickly
- Mobile towers can be built without long delays
- Permission process will be simple and clear
This means:
- Better internet in cities
- Internet access in villages
- Stronger mobile signals everywhere
Automatic Approval System (21-Day Rule)
Before this law, companies had to wait for months to get permission. This caused:
- Project delays
- Slow internet expansion
- Higher costs
Now, the law introduces a 21-day rule.
How It Works:
- Telecom companies apply for permission
- If no reply comes in 21 days
- Permission is automatically approved
This rule saves time and helps internet projects finish faster.
Right of Way (RoW): Easy Use of Land
Right of Way (RoW) is one of the most important parts of the new law. It allows telecom companies to use land for:
- Laying fiber cables
- Building mobile towers
- Maintaining telecom equipment
New RoW Rules Are Very Simple:
- No fees for land use
- Public and private land both allowed
- Permission cannot be taken back without reason
- Legal protection for telecom companies
This makes internet expansion smooth and fast.
Penalties for Blocking Internet Work
Sometimes, local authorities or people stop telecom work. This causes big delays.
The new law clearly says:
- Blocking telecom work is illegal
- Delaying lawful access is not allowed
Penalties Include:
- Fines up to 1 million rupees
- Legal action against violators
- Quick complaint resolution system
This ensures that telecom companies can work without fear.
Stronger Control Over Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) controls telecom services in the country. The new law improves PTA’s management.
Changes in PTA Management:
- Government decides salaries of PTA leaders
- PTA finances follow public finance laws
- Better accountability and transparency
This helps prevent:
- Misuse of funds
- Weak decision-making
- Poor governance
A stronger PTA means better telecom services for people.
Financial Transparency and Accountability
Money management is very important in any organization. Under the new law:
- PTA will follow Public Finance Management Act
- All financial records will be properly checked
- Clear rules for spending money
This makes the telecom system clean and trustworthy.
Major Reforms in National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC)
The National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) is another important telecom body. The new law brings big reforms to NTC.
New Changes in NTC:
- More private sector members on the board
- Female members must be included
- Chairman and Managing Director roles separated
- Online sharing of important information
These steps improve professionalism and fairness.
New Managing Director System in NTC
The new law creates a proper Managing Director (MD) position for NTC.
MD Selection Rules:
- Open and competitive process
- Clear job responsibilities
- Fixed time period
- Performance reviews
This ensures:
- Better leadership
- Strong accountability
- Improved telecom services
Comparison: Old Telecom Law vs New Telecom Law
| Feature | Old Law | New Law |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Speed | Slow | Fast |
| Permission System | Long delays | Auto approval in 21 days |
| Land Use Fees | High | No fees |
| PTA Control | Weak | Strong |
| NTC Governance | Outdated | Modern |
| Transparency | Low | High |
How This Law Helps Common People
The new telecom law will benefit everyone.
Benefits for Students:
- Better online classes
- Easy access to learning platforms
- Faster downloads
Benefits for Workers:
- Smooth work-from-home
- Online meetings without interruption
- Better communication
Benefits for Businesses:
- Faster online services
- Growth in e-commerce
- More job opportunities
Support for Pakistan’s Digital Economy
A strong internet system helps the digital economy grow. With this law:
- IT companies will expand
- Freelancers will get better internet
- Online startups will grow
This means:
- More jobs
- More income
- Better future for youth
Government’s Vision for Digital Pakistan
The government wants Pakistan to become a Digital Pakistan. This law supports that vision by:
- Improving internet infrastructure
- Strengthening telecom institutions
- Encouraging technology growth
The goal is long-term growth, not short-term fixes.
Final Words
The new telecom amendment law is a very important step for Pakistan. It focuses on:
- Faster internet
- Better management
- Strong governance
- Digital growth
If approved and applied properly, this law can change Pakistan’s digital future and make life easier for millions of people.
