Karachi – The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has approved the use of the 6 GHz band (5925–6425 MHz) for Wi-Fi 7, a decision that officially paves the way for the adoption of the latest wireless technology in the country. With this crucial regulatory step, Pakistan positions itself as one of the early adopters of Wi-Fi 7 in the Asia-Pacific region, signalling a strategic commitment to advanced digital infrastructure.
According to the PTA, Wi-Fi 7 is set to deliver the fastest data rates ever seen in Pakistan, promising exceptional performance vital for high-resolution video streaming, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) applications, and industrial automation. The authority highlighted that the new technology will specifically enable the extremely high data speeds, minimal latency, and robust reliability required for next-generation applications, including demanding 8K streaming.
Beyond performance, the PTA noted the approval would help reduce broadband costs, significantly ease congestion on older spectrum bands, and enhance overall network reliability. This broad upgrade is expected to yield substantial benefits across key sectors, including households, businesses, educational institutions, healthcare systems, and smart city projects. The move follows the earlier approval of Wi-Fi 6E, underscoring Pakistan’s steady commitment to digital progress.
The Government’s Digital Push and 5G Timeline
This technological acceleration is strategically aligned with the government’s wider digital transformation objectives. On Tuesday, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, announced that Pakistan is planning to roll out 5G services in seven major cities within months, indicating an aggressive timeline for the national digital overhaul.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 26th ITCN Asia Expo in Karachi, the Minister confirmed that parallel measures were underway to ensure more reliable internet service nationwide.
Khawaja emphasised that IT would serve as the “core element” of the recently signed Pakistan-Saudi agreement, an accord expected to strengthen Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and accelerate its economic growth. Addressing the country’s financial outlook, she noted that Pakistan has moved beyond fears of default, with inflation easing and macroeconomic conditions stabilising. She concluded her remarks with a nod to the economic heartland: “Karachi carries the weight of the country’s economic development.”
