Eliminating roaming costs is crucial, according to experts, for advancing Pakistan's digital future.

In a significant move, the National Highways Authority (NHA) and Pakistan Railways (PR) have abolished Right-of-Way (RoW) charges in the telecoms sector. This decision is expected to eliminate one big and unnecessary expense from optic fibre investments, encouraging telecom and broadband operators to invest in infrastructure for laying optic fiber and rolling out internet services in tourist destinations, industrial, energy, and mineral-rich areas.

The National Fiberization Policy, aimed at connecting 7.5 million households to fiber-optic networks, achieving 80% fibre-to-the-site (FTTS) coverage, and boosting average download speeds to 60 Mbps by 2030, is a testament to the government's commitment to expanding Pakistan's fixed broadband infrastructure. The policy focuses on expanding Pakistan's fixed broadband infrastructure to support emerging technologies like 5G and the Internet of Things.

However, Pakistan currently has 211,000 km of optical fiber cable, which is insufficient to meet rising demand due to barriers like high Right of Way charges and complex approvals. The country also has one of the lowest allocated spectrums in the world, making it challenging to improve internet disruptions and dead signals. Spectrum is either not released for auction or the auction floor price is excessively high, making it unviable for investors.

Ibrahim Amin, Chairman of the Pakistan Freelancers Association, emphasizes the need for the government to address the challenge of electricity availability to make devices affordable for fast technology adoption. He also predicts that the number of digital workers will increase in the next few years and their contribution to the economy will also grow.

Improving internet coverage is crucial for increasing internet literacy among the masses and providing them with better revenue-making opportunities. It is hoped that all municipalities, cantonments, and housing authorities will follow suit in abolishing RoW charges.

Dr. Noman Said, CEO of SI Global Solutions, states that the government's efforts to eliminate Right of Way charges will enhance fast broadband internet coverage across the country, including metropolises, small cities, villages, and industrial zones. However, optic fibres are still capital intensive with long payback periods, and proper legislation is needed to ensure that Right of Way charges are at most nominal and applicable nationwide.

The government also needs to "do more" regarding duties and taxes at all stages for optic fibres, from imports to usage. Addressing these issues will not only make internet services more affordable but also empower the masses, particularly the youth, to acquire education and skills online and offer their services to different parts of the country and the world without leaving their hometown.

In conclusion, the abolition of Right-of-Way charges is a step in the right direction towards improving Pakistan's broadband infrastructure. However, more needs to be done to address the challenges of spectrum allocation, electricity availability, and taxes to ensure fast and affordable internet services for all Pakistanis.

Eliminating roaming costs is crucial, according to experts, for advancing Pakistan's digital future.