Communications

Publications (International / National / Regional) | Radio & TV

Communication systems in Pakistan have improved at a rapid pace in the last decade. The internet and satellite systems have rapidly changed the landscape from which Pakistan communicates. Moving from a government run system to independent carriers, communicators have options and a range of products to choose from. Cell phones/mobile phones are everywhere and there are various independent companies that compete with each other. The internet of course, late in coming to Pakistan, is just as important there as it is in the rest of the world. Again, as with other communication devices, there are independent companies and providers that offer ranges in products and services. Under communications are also radio and television and which have also undergone major transformation with the privatization of businesses. They are briefly mentioned here and for more information, please see the links above.

Telephones: main lines in use: 4,502,200 (2004)

Telephones: mobile cellular: 5,022,900 (2004)
The domestic telephone 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)
Operational International Gateway Exchanges: 3 (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (1999)
Radio Broadcast Stations: AM 27, FM 1, shortwave 21 (1998)
Radios: 13.5 million (1997)
Television Broadcast Stations: 22 (plus seven low-power repeaters) (1997)
Televisions: 3.1 million (1997)
Internet Country Code: .pk
Internet Service Providers (ISP's): 38,309 (2005)
Internet Users: 7.5 million (2005)