PTA on Friday approved the adoption of the latest generation of wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, placing Pakistan among the first countries in the Asia-Pacific region to introduce the advanced network standard.
According to an official press release, Wi-Fi 7 and future generations will operate on the 6 GHz frequency band. This decision, the authority said, reflects Pakistan’s commitment to digital innovation, leadership and building a modern technology ecosystem.
Wi-Fi 7 promises to deliver ultra-high internet speeds, low latency, and highly reliable connectivity. With these features, the technology will support advanced applications such as 8K video streaming, immersive augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) experiences and critical industrial automation.
Officials noted that the new generation will also reduce congestion on older frequency bands, lowering broadband delivery costs and making internet services more accessible and efficient.
The authority further explained that the adoption of Wi-Fi 7 is expected to strengthen connectivity across a wide range of sectors, including households, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), healthcare, campuses and smart cities.
By enabling faster and more stable internet, the move is also expected to help bridge the digital divide and support Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
The development comes at a time when the country is grappling with challenges in internet connectivity due to damage to international undersea cables. Earlier this week, Federal Secretary for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Zarrar Hasham Khan informed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT that it may take four to five weeks to restore the affected cables.
The damage caused off the coast of Yemen has led to disruptions and slower internet services in Pakistan and other regions.
Despite these temporary challenges, officials believe the approval of Wi-Fi 7 marks a major step toward advancing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.
By embracing the latest generation of wireless technology, the country aims to secure a stronger position in the global digital landscape while ensuring that its citizens and industries benefit from reliable and cost-effective connectivity.
