
The penetration of telecom and internet connectivity is increasingly growing in Pakistan, but does the extent of this mobile broadband expansion ever concern you? Data has revealed that an average Pakistani now uses 8.4 gigabytes (GB) of mobile data each month.
These whopping figures have surfaced amid Pakistan's reliance on mobile connectivity, transforming daily life, according to the State of Apps 2024 report by Data Darbar, citing the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
This marks a 13.5% increase from last year’s average of 7.4 GB and a significant 71% rise from just 4.9 GB in 2020.
Despite economic challenges, mobile connectivity has become essential for many Pakistanis, as people prioritise internet access even amid rising inflation.
The data also revealed that mobile data consumption reached 13,002 petabytes in the fiscal year 2024, showing a 20% hike compared to the previous year, while fixed broadband usage grew by 29% to 12,120 petabytes. This surge is attributed to more smartphone users, improved 4G coverage, and increased use of video streaming and social media.
Broadband penetration in Pakistan rose to 57%, and central to this rise is a shift from older 2G and 3 G networks to faster connections. However, persistent challenges include limited fibre connectivity, with only 9% of mobile towers linked to fibre networks.
The cost of mobile data has slightly increased, with users now paying an average of Rs26.6 per GB, up 4.3% from last year. The average monthly revenue per user also rose to Rs276.
Experts in the telecom space have warned that while the digital landscape is expanding, continuous investment is needed to further improve speeds, access, and network quality.