The CIA World Factbook Every edition, 1990 to 2024 Asia
Telecommunication systems Pakistan, in 35 editions.
The entry for Pakistan published Telecommunication systems in 35 editions of 36, from 1990 to 2024. The text changed in 27 editions. Each is shown as published. Telecommunication systems in every entry.
- editions changed the text
- 27
- the first edition with it
- 1990
- the latest edition with it
- 2024
Published as “Telecommunications” (1990 to 1994), “Telephone system” (1995 to 2019) and “Telecommunication systems” (2020 to 2024).
field in that editiontext changed from the edition beforenot in that editionthe edition shownChoose an edition on the strip beside the text, or step through them with the arrows. Mark changes compares it with the edition before: the marks are ours, words added and words removed.
2024 edition
Same as 2023Published as “Telecommunications”
- good international radiocommunication service over microwave and INTELSAT satellite;
- domestic radio communications poor;
- broadcast service good;
- 564,500 telephones (1987);
- stations--16 AM, 8 FM, 16;
- satellite eath station--1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT
good international radiocommunication service over microwave and INTELSAT satellite; domestic radio communications poor; broadcast service good; 564,500 telephones (1987); stations--16 AM, 8 FM, 16; satellite eath station--1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT
Published as “Telecommunications”
- good international radiocommunication service over microwave and INTELSAT satellite;
- domestic radio communications poor;
- broadcast service good;
- 813,000 telephones (1990);
- stations--19 AM, 8 FM, 29 TV;
- earth stations--1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT
good international radiocommunication service over microwave and INTELSAT satellite; domestic radio communications poor; broadcast service good; 564,500 813,000 telephones (1987); stations--16 (1990); stations--19 AM, 8 FM, 16; satellite eath station--1 29 TV; earth stations--1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT
Published as “Telecommunications”
- good international communication service over microwave and INTELSAT satellite;
- domestic communications poor;
- 813,000 telephones (1990);
- broadcast service good;
- broadcast stations - 19 AM, 8 FM, 29 TV;
- satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT
good international radiocommunication communication service over microwave and INTELSAT
satellite; domestic radio communications poor; broadcast service good; 813,000 telephones (1990); stations--19
broadcast service good; broadcast stations - 19 AM, 8 FM, 29 TV; satellite
earth stations--1 stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT
Published as “Telecommunications”
- the domestic telephone system is poor, adequate only for government and business use;
- about 7 telephones per 1,000 persons;
- the system for international traffic is better and employs both microwave radio relay and satellites;
- satellite ground stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT;
- broadcast stations - 19 AM, 8 FM, 29 TV
Rewritten: too little of the 1992 text remains to mark the changes.
the domestic telephone system is poor, adequate only for government and
business use; about 7 telephones per 1,000 persons; the system for
international traffic is better and employs both microwave radio relay and
satellites; satellite ground stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2
Indian Ocean INTELSAT; broadcast stations - 19 AM, 8 FM, 29 TV
Published as “Telecommunications”
- the domestic telephone system is poor, adequate only for government and business use;
- about 7 telephones per 1,000 persons;
- the system for international traffic is better and employs both microwave radio relay and satellites;
- satellite ground stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT;
- broadcast stations - 19 AM, 8 FM, 29 TV
the domestic telephone system is poor, adequate only for government and
and business use; about 7 telephones per 1,000 persons; the system for
international traffic is better and employs both microwave radio relay and
and satellites; satellite ground stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT
and 2
Published as “Telephone system”
- NA telephones;
- about 7 telephones/1,000 persons;
- the domestic telephone system is poor, adequate only for government and business use;
- the system for international traffic is better
- local:
- NA
- intercity:
- microwave radio relay
- international:
- 3 INTELSAT (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean) earth stations; microwave radio relay
NA telephones; about 7 telephones/1,000 persons; the
domestic telephone system is poor, adequate only for government
business use; about 7 telephones per 1,000 persons; the system forand employs both
local: NA
intercity: microwave radio relayand satellites; satellite ground stations - 1 international: 3 INTELSAT (1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSATand 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT; broadcast stations - 19 AM, 8 FM, 29 TV Ocean) earth
stations; microwave radio relay
Published as “Telephone system”
- the domestic system is mediocre, but adequate for government and business use, in part because major businesses have established their own private systems;
- since 1988, the government has promoted investment in the national telecommunications system on a priority basis;
- despite major improvements in trunk and urban systems, telecommunication services are still not readily available to the major portion of the population
- domestic:
- microwave radio relay
- international:
- satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries
Rewritten: too little of the 1995 text remains to mark the changes.
the domestic system is mediocre, but adequate
for government and business use, in part because major businesses
have established their own private systems; since 1988, the
government has promoted investment in the national
telecommunications system on a priority basis; despite major
improvements in trunk and urban systems, telecommunication services
are still not readily available to the major portion of the
population
domestic: microwave radio relay
international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic
Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); microwave radio relay to neighboring
countries
Published as “Telephone system”
- the domestic system is mediocre, but adequate for government and business use, in part because major businesses have established their own private systems;
- since 1988, the government has promoted investment in the national telecommunications system on a priority basis;
- despite major improvements in trunk and urban systems, telecommunication services are still not readily available to the major portion of the population
- domestic:
- microwave radio relay
- international:
- satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries
the domestic system is mediocre, but adequate
government and business use, in part because major businesses
established their own private systems; since 1988, the
promoted investment in the national
priority basis; despite major
telecommunication services
major portion of the
domestic: microwave radio relay
international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic
and 2 Indian Ocean); microwave radio relay to neighboring
Published as “Telephone system”
- the domestic system is mediocre, but adequate for government and business use, in part because major businesses have established their own private systems;
- since 1988, the government has promoted investment in the national telecommunications system on a priority basis;
- despite major improvements in trunk and urban systems, telecommunication services are still not readily available to the major portion of the population
- domestic:
- microwave radio relay
- international:
- satellite earth stations-3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries
the domestic system is mediocre, but adequate for
government and business use, in part because major businesses have
established their own private systems; since 1988, the government has
promoted investment in the national telecommunications system on a
priority basis; despite major improvements in trunk and urban systems,
telecommunication services are still not readily available to the
major portion of the population
domestic: microwave radio relay
international: satellite earth stations - 3 stations-3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean
and 2 Indian Ocean); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries
Published as “Telephone system”
- the domestic system is mediocre, but improving;
- service is adequate for government and business use, in part because major businesses have established their own private systems;
- since 1988, the government has promoted investment in the national telecommunications system on a priority basis, significantly increasing network capacity;
- despite major improvements in trunk and urban systems, telecommunication services are still not readily available to the majority of the rural population
- domestic:
- microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite
- international:
- satellite earth stations--3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean);
- 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);
- microwave radio relay to neighboring countries
the domestic system is mediocre, but improving;
service is adequate for
major businesses have
1988, the government has
telecommunications system on abasis; basis, significantly
increasing network capacity; despite major improvements in trunk and
urban systems,
available to the
major portion
domestic: microwave radio relay relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable,
cellular, and satellite
international: satellite earth stations-3 stations--3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean
and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges
(1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to
neighboring countries
Published as “Telephone system”
- the domestic system is mediocre, but improving;
- service is adequate for government and business use, in part because major businesses have established their own private systems;
- since 1988, the government has promoted investment in the national telecommunications system on a priority basis, significantly increasing network capacity;
- despite major improvements in trunk and urban systems, telecommunication services are still not readily available to the majority of the rural population
- domestic:
- microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite
- international:
- satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean);
- 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);
- microwave radio relay to neighboring countries
the domestic system is mediocre, but improving;
domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable,
international: satellite earth stations--3 stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- the domestic system is mediocre, but improving;
- service is adequate for government and business use, in part because major businesses have established their own private systems;
- since 1988, the government has promoted investment in the national telecommunications system on a priority basis, significantly increasing network capacity;
- despite major improvements in trunk and urban systems, telecommunication services are still not readily available to the majority of the rural population domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean);
- 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);
- microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (1999)
general assessment: the domestic system is mediocre, but improving; service is adequate for government and business use, in part because major businesses have established their own private systems; since 1988, the government has promoted investment in the national telecommunications system on a priority basis, significantly increasing network capacity; despite major improvements in trunk and urban systems, telecommunication services are still not readily available to the majority of the rural population
The same text in 2002 and 2003.
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- the domestic system is mediocre, but improving;
- service is adequate for government and business use, in part because major businesses have established their own private systems;
- since 1988, the government has promoted investment in the national telecommunications system on a priority basis, significantly increasing network capacity;
- despite major improvements in trunk and urban systems, telecommunication services are still not readily available to the majority of the rural population
- domestic:
- microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks
- international:
- satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean);
- 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);
- microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (1999)
general assessment: the domestic system is mediocre, but improving; service is adequate for government and business use, in part because major businesses have established their own private systems; since 1988, the government has promoted investment in the national telecommunications system on a priority basis, significantly increasing network capacity; despite major improvements in trunk and urban systems, telecommunication services are still not readily available to the majority of the rural population
domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks
international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (1999)
The same text in 3 editions, 2004 to 2006.
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- the domestic system is mediocre, but improving;
- service is adequate for government and business use, in part because major businesses have established their own private systems;
- since 1988, the government has promoted investment in the national telecommunications system on a priority basis, significantly increasing network capacity;
- despite major improvements in trunk and urban systems, telecommunication services are still not readily available to the majority of the rural population
- domestic:
- microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks
- international:
- country code - 92;
- satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean);
- 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);
- microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (1999)
general assessment: the domestic system is mediocre, but improving; service is adequate for government and business use, in part because major businesses have established their own private systems; since 1988, the government has promoted investment in the national telecommunications system on a priority basis, significantly increasing network capacity; despite major improvements in trunk and urban systems, telecommunication services are still not readily available to the majority of the rural population
domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks
international: country code - 92; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (1999)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- the telecom infrastructure is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments into fixed-line and mobile networks;
- mobile cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, approaching 50 million in late 2006, up from only about 300,000 in 2000;
- fiber systems are being constructed throughout the country to aid in network growth;
- main line availability has risen only marginally over the same period and there are still difficulties getting main line service to rural areas.
- domestic:
- microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks
- international:
- country code - 92;
- satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean);
- 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);
- microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2006)
general assessment: the domestic system is mediocre, but improving; service telecom infrastructure is adequate for government improving dramatically with foreign and business use, in part because major businesses have established their own private systems; since 1988, the government domestic investments into fixed-line and mobile networks; mobile cellular subscribership has promoted investment skyrocketed, approaching 50 million in late 2006, up from only about 300,000 in 2000; fiber systems are being constructed throughout the national telecommunications system on a priority basis, significantly increasing network capacity; despite major improvements country to aid in trunk network growth; main line availability has risen only marginally over the same period and urban systems, telecommunication services there are still not readily available difficulties getting main line service to the majority of the rural population areas.
domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks
international: country code - 92; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (1999) (2006)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- the telecommunications infrastructure is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments into fixed-line and mobile networks;
- mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, reaching some 88 million in 2008, up from only about 300,000 in 2000;
- fiber systems are being constructed throughout the country to aid in network growth;
- main line availability has risen only marginally over the same period and there are still difficulties getting main line service to rural areas
- domestic:
- microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks
- international:
- country code - 92;
- landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe;
- satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean);
- 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);
- microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2008)
general assessment: the telecom telecommunications infrastructure is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments into fixed-line and mobile networks; mobile cellular mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, approaching 50 reaching some 88 million in late 2006, 2008, up from only about 300,000 in 2000; fiber systems are being constructed throughout the country to aid in network growth; main line availability has risen only marginally over the same period and there are still difficulties getting main line service to rural areas. areas
domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks
international: country code - 92; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2006) (2008)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- the telecommunications infrastructure is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments in fixed-line and mobile networks;
- mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, reaching some 91 million in 2009, up from only about 300,000 in 2000;
- fiber systems are being constructed throughout the country to aid in network growth;
- main line availability has risen only marginally over the same period and there are still difficulties getting main line service to rural areas
- domestic:
- microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks
- international:
- country code - 92;
- landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe;
- satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean);
- 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);
- microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2009)
general assessment:
the telecommunications infrastructure is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments into in fixed-line and mobile networks; mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, reaching some 88 91 million in 2008, 2009, up from only about 300,000 in 2000; fiber systems are being constructed throughout the country to aid in network growth; main line availability has risen only marginally over the same period and there are still difficulties getting main line service to rural areas
domestic:
microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks
international:
country code - 92; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2008) (2009)
The same text in 2010 and 2011.
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- the telecommunications infrastructure is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments in fixed-line and mobile-cellular networks;
- system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks;
- domestic:
- mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, exceeding 100 million in 2009, up from only about 300,000 in 2000;
- approximately 90 percent of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage and more than half of all Pakistanis have access to a cell phone;
- fiber systems are being constructed throughout the country to aid in network growth;
- fixed line availability has risen only marginally over the same period and there are still difficulties getting fixed-line service to rural areas
- international:
- country code - 92;
- landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe;
- satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean);
- 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);
- microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2009)
general assessment:
the telecommunications infrastructure is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments in fixed-line and mobile mobile-cellular networks; system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks;
domestic:
mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, reaching some 91 exceeding 100 million in 2009, up from only about 300,000 in 2000; approximately 90 percent of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage and more than half of all Pakistanis have access to a cell phone; fiber systems are being constructed throughout the country to aid in network growth; main fixed line availability has risen only marginally over the same period and there are still difficulties getting main line fixed-line service to rural areas
domestic:
microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks
international:
country code - 92; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2009)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- the telecommunications infrastructure is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments in fixed-line and mobile-cellular networks;
- system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks;
- domestic:
- mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, exceeding 110 million by the end of 2011, up from only about 300,000 in 2000;
- more than 90 percent of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage and more than half of all Pakistanis have access to a cell phone;
- fiber systems are being constructed throughout the country to aid in network growth;
- fixed line availability has risen only marginally over the same period and there are still difficulties getting fixed-line service to rural areas
- international:
- country code - 92;
- landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe;
- satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean);
- 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);
- microwave radio relay to neighboring countries
general assessment:
the telecommunications infrastructure is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments in fixed-line and mobile-cellular networks; system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks;
domestic:
mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, exceeding 100 110 million in 2009, by the end of 2011, up from only about 300,000 in 2000; approximately more than 90 percent of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage and more than half of all Pakistanis have access to a cell phone; fiber systems are being constructed throughout the country to aid in network growth; fixed line availability has risen only marginally over the same period and there are still difficulties getting fixed-line service to rural areas
international:
country code - 92; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2009)
The same text in 2013 and 2014.
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- the telecommunications infrastructure is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments in fixed-line and mobile-cellular networks;
- system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks;
- domestic:
- mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, exceeding 110 million by the end of 2011, up from only about 300,000 in 2000;
- more than 90 percent of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage and more than half of all Pakistanis have access to a cell phone;
- fiber systems are being constructed throughout the country to aid in network growth;
- fixed line availability has risen only marginally over the same period and there are still difficulties getting fixed-line service to rural areas
- international:
- country code - 92;
- landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe;
- satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean);
- 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);
- microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2011)
general assessment:
the telecommunications infrastructure is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments in fixed-line and mobile-cellular networks; system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks;
domestic:
mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, exceeding 110 million by the end of 2011, up from only about 300,000 in 2000; more than 90 percent of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage and more than half of all Pakistanis have access to a cell phone; fiber systems are being constructed throughout the country to aid in network growth; fixed line availability has risen only marginally over the same period and there are still difficulties getting fixed-line service to rural areas
international:
country code - 92; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2011)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- the telecommunications infrastructure is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments in fixed-line and mobile-cellular networks;
- system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks;
- domestic:
- mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, exceeding 110 million by the end of 2011, up from only about 300,000 in 2000;
- more than 90 percent of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage, and more than half of all Pakistanis have access to a cell phone;
- fiber systems are being constructed throughout the country to aid in network growth;
- fixed line availability has risen only marginally over the same period, and there are still difficulties getting fixed-line service to rural areas
- international:
- country code - 92;
- landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe;
- satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean);
- 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);
- microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2011)
general assessment:
domestic:coverage coverage, and more than half of all Pakistanis have access to a cell phone; fiber systems are being constructed throughout the country to aid in network growth; fixed line availability has risen only marginally over the same period period, and there are still difficulties getting fixed-line service to rural areas
international:
The same text in 2016 and 2017.
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- the telecommunications infrastructure is improving, with investments in mobile-cellular networks increasing, but fixed-line subscriptions declining;
- system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks;
- 3G and 4G mobile services introduced
- domestic:
- mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed;
- more than 90% of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage;
- fiber-optic networks are being constructed throughout the country to increase broadband access, though broadband penetration in Pakistan is still relatively low
- international:
- country code - 92;
- landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe;
- satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean);
- 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);
- microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2015)
general assessment: the telecommunications infrastructure is improving dramatically improving, with foreign and domestic investments in fixed-line and mobile-cellular networks; networks increasing, but fixed-line subscriptions declining; system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks; 3G and 4G mobile services introduced
domestic: mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, exceeding 110 million by the end of 2011, up from only about 300,000 in 2000; skyrocketed; more than 90 percent 90% of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage, and more than half of all Pakistanis have access to a cell phone; fiber systems coverage; fiber-optic networks are being constructed throughout the country to aid increase broadband access, though broadband penetration in network growth; fixed line availability has risen only marginally over the same period, and there are Pakistan is still difficulties getting fixed-line service to rural areas relatively low
international: country code - 92; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2011) (2015)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- the telecommunications infrastructure is improving, with investments in mobile-cellular networks increasing, but fixed-line subscriptions declining;
- system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks;
- 3G and 4G mobile services introduced (2015)
- domestic:
- mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed;
- more than 90% of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage;
- fiber-optic networks are being constructed throughout the country to increase broadband access, though broadband penetration in Pakistan is still relatively low (2015)
- international:
- country code - 92;
- landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe;
- satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean);
- 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);
- microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2015)
general assessment: the telecommunications infrastructure is improving, with investments in mobile-cellular networks increasing, but fixed-line subscriptions declining; system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks; 3G and 4G mobile services introduced (2015)
domestic: mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed; more than 90% of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage; fiber-optic networks are being constructed throughout the country to increase broadband access, though broadband penetration in Pakistan is still relatively low (2015)
international: country code - 92; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2015)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- the telecommunications infrastructure is improving, with investments in mobile-cellular networks increasing, but fixed-line subscriptions declining;
- system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks;
- 4G mobile services broadly available;
- 5G not before 2030;
- mobile platform and mobile broadband doing well (2018)
- domestic:
- mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed;
- more than 90% of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage;
- fiber-optic networks are being constructed throughout the country to increase broadband access, though broadband penetration in Pakistan is still relatively low;
- fixed-line 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular 71 per 100 persons (2018)
- international:
- country code - 92;
- landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-3, -4, -5, AAE-1, IMEWE, Orient Express, PEACE Cable, and TW1 submarine cable systems that provide links to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia;
- satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean);
- 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);
- microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2019)
general assessment: the telecommunications infrastructure is improving, with investments in mobile-cellular networks increasing, but fixed-line subscriptions declining; system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks; 3G and 4G mobile services introduced (2015) broadly available; 5G not before 2030; mobile platform and mobile broadband doing well (2018)
domestic: mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed; more than 90% of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage; fiber-optic networks are being constructed throughout the country to increase broadband access, though broadband penetration in Pakistan is still relatively low (2015) low; fixed-line 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular 71 per 100 persons (2018)
international: country code - 92; landing point points for the SEA-ME-WE-3 SEA-ME-WE-3, -4, -5, AAE-1, IMEWE, Orient Express, PEACE Cable, and SEA-ME-WE-4 TW1 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe; Australia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2015) (2019)
- general assessment:
- the telecommunications infrastructure is improving, with investments in mobile-cellular networks increasing, fixed-line subscriptions declining;
- system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks;
- 4G mobile services broadly available;
- 5G not before 2030;
- mobile platform and mobile broadband doing well and dominate over fixed broadband sector (2020)
- domestic:
- mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed;
- more than 90% of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage;
- fiber-optic networks are being constructed throughout the country to increase broadband access, though broadband penetration in Pakistan is still relatively low;
- fixed-line 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular 76 per 100 persons (2019)
- international:
- country code - 92;
- landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-3, -4, -5, AAE-1, IMEWE, Orient Express, PEACE Cable, and TW1 submarine cable systems that provide links to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia;
- satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean);
- 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);
- microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2019)
note: the COVID-19 outbreak is negatively impacting telecommunications production and supply chains globally; consumer spending on telecom devices and services has also slowed due to the pandemic's effect on economies worldwide; overall progress towards improvements in all facets of the telecom industry - mobile, fixed-line, broadband, submarine cable and satellite - has moderated
general assessment: the telecommunications infrastructure is improving, with investments in mobile-cellular networks increasing, but fixed-line subscriptions declining; system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks; 4G mobile services broadly available; 5G not before 2030; mobile platform and mobile broadband doing well (2018) and dominate over fixed broadband sector (2020)
domestic: mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed; more than 90% of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage; fiber-optic networks are being constructed throughout the country to increase broadband access, though broadband penetration in Pakistan is still relatively low; fixed-line 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular 71 76 per 100 persons (2018) (2019)
international: country code - 92; landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-3, -4, -5, AAE-1, IMEWE, Orient Express, PEACE Cable, and TW1 submarine cable systems that provide links to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2019)
note: the COVID-19 outbreak is negatively impacting telecommunications production and supply chains globally; consumer spending on telecom devices and services has also slowed due to the pandemic's effect on economies worldwide; overall progress towards improvements in all facets of the telecom industry - mobile, fixed-line, broadband, submarine cable and satellite - has moderated
- general assessment:
- Pakistan’s telecom market recently transitioned from a regulated state-owned monopoly to a deregulated competitive structure, now aided by foreign investment;
- moderate growth over the last six years, supported by a young population and a rising use of mobile services;
- telecom infrastructure is improving, with investments in mobile-cellular networks, fixed-line subscriptions declining;
- system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks;
- 4G mobile services broadly available;
- 5G tests ongoing;
- data centers in major cities;
- mobile and broadband doing well and dominate over fixed-broadband sector;
- China-Pakistan Fiber Optic Project became operational in 2020;
- importer of broadcasting equipment and computers from China (2020)
- domestic:
- mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed;
- more than 90% of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage;
- fiber-optic networks are being constructed throughout the country to increase broadband access, though broadband penetration in Pakistan is still relatively low;
- fixed-line 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular 76 per 100 persons (2019)
- international:
- country code - 92;
- landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-3, -4, -5, AAE-1, IMEWE, Orient Express, PEACE Cable, and TW1 submarine cable systems that provide links to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia;
- satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean);
- 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);
- microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2019)
note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
general assessment: Pakistan’s telecom market recently transitioned from a regulated state-owned monopoly to a deregulated competitive structure, now aided by foreign investment; moderate growth over the telecommunications last six years, supported by a young population and a rising use of mobile services; telecom infrastructure is improving, with investments in mobile-cellular networks increasing, networks, fixed-line subscriptions declining; system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks; 4G mobile services broadly available; 5G not before 2030; tests ongoing; data centers in major cities; mobile platform and mobile broadband doing well and dominate over fixed broadband sector fixed-broadband sector; China-Pakistan Fiber Optic Project became operational in 2020; importer of broadcasting equipment and computers from China (2020)
domestic: mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed; more than 90% of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage; fiber-optic networks are being constructed throughout the country to increase broadband access, though broadband penetration in Pakistan is still relatively low; fixed-line 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular 76 per 100 persons (2019)
international: country code - 92; landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-3, -4, -5, AAE-1, IMEWE, Orient Express, PEACE Cable, and TW1 submarine cable systems that provide links to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2019)
note: the COVID-19 outbreak is negatively impacting telecommunications pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and services has also slowed due to the pandemic's effect consequent restriction on economies worldwide; overall progress towards improvements in all facets of disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom industry - mobile, fixed-line, broadband, submarine cable services as a tool for work and satellite - has moderated school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
- general assessment:
- Pakistan’s telecom market transitioned from a regulated state-owned monopoly to a deregulated competitive structure in 2003, now aided by foreign investment;
- moderate growth over the last six years, supported by a young population and a rising use of mobile services;
- telecom infrastructure is improving, with investments in mobile-cellular networks, fixed-line subscriptions declining;
- system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks;
- 4G mobile services broadly available;
- 5G tests ongoing;
- data centers in major cities;
- mobile and broadband doing well and dominate over fixed-broadband sector;
- future growth (in market size as well as revenue) is likely to come from the wider availability of value-added services on top of the expansion of 4G LTE and (from 2023) 5G mobile networks;
- the Universal Service Fund (USF) continues to direct investment towards the development of mobile broadband (and, to a lesser extent, fiber-based networks) in under-served and even under served areas of the country, with multiple projects being approved to start in 2021 and 2022 (2021)
- domestic:
- mobile-cellular subscribership has increased;
- more than 90% of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage;
- fiber-optic networks are being constructed throughout the country to increase broadband access and broadband penetration in Pakistan is increasing--by the end of 2021, 50% of the population had access to broadband services;
- fixed-line teledensity is a little over 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular roughly 84 per 100 persons (2021)
- international:
- country code - 92;
- landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-3, -4, -5, AAE-1, IMEWE, Orient Express, PEACE Cable, and TW1 submarine cable systems that provide links to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia;
- satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean);
- 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);
- microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2019)
note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress toward 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
general assessment: Pakistan’s telecom market recently transitioned from a regulated state-owned monopoly to a deregulated competitive structure, structure in 2003, now aided by foreign investment; moderate growth over the last six years, supported by a young population and a rising use of mobile services; telecom infrastructure is improving, with investments in mobile-cellular networks, fixed-line subscriptions declining; system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks; 4G mobile services broadly available; 5G tests ongoing; data centers in major cities; mobile and broadband doing well and dominate over fixed-broadband sector; China-Pakistan Fiber Optic Project became operational future growth (in market size as well as revenue) is likely to come from the wider availability of value-added services on top of the expansion of 4G LTE and (from 2023) 5G mobile networks; the Universal Service Fund (USF) continues to direct investment towards the development of mobile broadband (and, to a lesser extent, fiber-based networks) in 2020; importer under-served and even under served areas of broadcasting equipment the country, with multiple projects being approved to start in 2021 and computers from China (2020) 2022 (2021)
domestic: mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed; increased; more than 90% of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage; fiber-optic networks are being constructed throughout the country to increase broadband access, though access and broadband penetration in Pakistan is still relatively low; increasing--by the end of 2021, 50% of the population had access to broadband services; fixed-line teledensity is a little over 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular 76 roughly 84 per 100 persons (2019) (2021)
international: country code - 92; landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-3, -4, -5, AAE-1, IMEWE, Orient Express, PEACE Cable, and TW1 submarine cable systems that provide links to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2019)
note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards toward 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and has increased due to the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became is still evident, and received some support from governments the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
The same text in 2023 and 2024.
- general assessment:
- Pakistan’s telecom market transitioned from a regulated state-owned monopoly to a deregulated competitive structure in 2003, now aided by foreign investment;
- moderate growth over the last six years, supported by a young population and a rising use of mobile services;
- telecom infrastructure is improving, with investments in mobile-cellular networks, fixed-line subscriptions declining;
- system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks;
- 4G mobile services broadly available;
- 5G tests ongoing;
- data centers in major cities;
- mobile and broadband doing well and dominate over fixed-broadband sector;
- future growth (in market size as well as revenue) is likely to come from the wider availability of value-added services on top of the expansion of 4G LTE and (from 2023) 5G mobile networks;
- the Universal Service Fund (USF) continues to direct investment towards the development of mobile broadband (and, to a lesser extent, fiber-based networks) in under-served and even under served areas of the country, with multiple projects being approved to start in 2021 and 2022 (2021)
- domestic:
- mobile-cellular subscribership has increased;
- more than 90% of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage;
- fiber-optic networks are being constructed throughout the country to increase broadband access and broadband penetration in Pakistan is increasing--by the end of 2021, 50% of the population had access to broadband services;
- fixed-line teledensity is a little over 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular roughly 82 per 100 persons (2021)
- international:
- country code - 92;
- landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-3, -4, -5, AAE-1, IMEWE, Orient Express, PEACE Cable, and TW1 submarine cable systems that provide links to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia;
- satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean);
- 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);
- microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2019)
general assessment: Pakistan’s telecom market transitioned from a regulated state-owned monopoly to a deregulated competitive structure in 2003, now aided by foreign investment; moderate growth over the last six years, supported by a young population and a rising use of mobile services; telecom infrastructure is improving, with investments in mobile-cellular networks, fixed-line subscriptions declining; system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks; 4G mobile services broadly available; 5G tests ongoing; data centers in major cities; mobile and broadband doing well and dominate over fixed-broadband sector; future growth (in market size as well as revenue) is likely to come from the wider availability of value-added services on top of the expansion of 4G LTE and (from 2023) 5G mobile networks; the Universal Service Fund (USF) continues to direct investment towards the development of mobile broadband (and, to a lesser extent, fiber-based networks) in under-served and even under served areas of the country, with multiple projects being approved to start in 2021 and 2022 (2021)
domestic: mobile-cellular subscribership has increased; more than 90% of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage; fiber-optic networks are being constructed throughout the country to increase broadband access and broadband penetration in Pakistan is increasing--by the end of 2021, 50% of the population had access to broadband services; fixed-line teledensity is a little over 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular roughly 84 82 per 100 persons (2021)
international: country code - 92; landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-3, -4, -5, AAE-1, IMEWE, Orient Express, PEACE Cable, and TW1 submarine cable systems that provide links to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2019)
note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress toward 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
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Cite this page
Central Intelligence Agency. “Pakistan: Telecommunication systems.” The World Factbook, 1990–2024 editions. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/pakistan/telecommunication-systems.