In a decisive move to accelerate the nationwide rollout of high-speed internet, the Government of Pakistan has announced the development of a centralized digital portal designed to eliminate protracted Right-of-Way (ROW) delays that have long hindered broadband infrastructure expansion. This innovative platform will streamline and automate the permitting process for fiber-optic cable deployment and tower installations, cutting approval times from months to days and fostering a more efficient, transparent, and investment-friendly regulatory environment.
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The portal will serve as a single-window interface where telecom operators and internet service providers (ISPs) can submit applications, track their status in real time, obtain necessary clearances from multiple federal, provincial, and municipal authorities, and make online payments. By digitizing and integrating the fragmented ROW approval process, the system addresses a major bottleneck that has slowed 5G readiness and the implementation of the National Fiberization Policy.
This initiative is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s Digital Pakistan Vision and a direct response to industry demands for ease of doing business in the telecom sector. Reducing ROW delays is critical to achieving universal broadband access, improving internet penetration in underserved areas, and meeting the ambitious national target of 100 Mbps for all under the new broadband policy.
“The launch of this digital ROW portal represents a transformative step toward modernizing our regulatory framework. By replacing red tape with digital efficiency, we are removing a significant barrier to broadband expansion, attracting greater infrastructure investment, and ultimately ensuring that every Pakistani can benefit from fast, reliable, and affordable internet,” stated a senior official from the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication.
The portal is expected to go live in early 2025 and will be managed by a dedicated unit within the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in collaboration with provincial and local governments.
