Islamabad to Become a Smart City: Free Wi-Fi Access for All Residents Announced

Islamabad is set to become Pakistan’s first city to offer free public Wi-Fi, with 30 hotspots expected to be operational by December 2025, officials from the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) have confirmed. The initiative, recently reviewed during a briefing to the National Assembly’s IT Committee, is part of a broader government effort to expand public internet access and strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure.

The planned Wi-Fi hotspots will be installed at strategic high-traffic locations, including markets, government offices, and other public areas, ensuring that citizens, students, and visitors can easily access high-speed internet. NTC highlighted that the project builds upon its existing services, which currently provide connectivity and cybersecurity support to over 3,000 public and private institutions in more than 100 cities nationwide. The new free Wi-Fi network is expected to enhance connectivity while helping transform Islamabad into a technology-driven city that supports education, business, and digital innovation.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) will provide full technical support for the project’s implementation, while NTC will operate and maintain the network to ensure secure and reliable services. Experts believe Islamabad’s free Wi-Fi initiative could serve as a model for other cities in Pakistan, demonstrating the critical role of accessible internet in promoting economic growth, education, and technological development.

With the rollout planned for December 2025, residents of the capital city can look forward to seamless internet access in public spaces, marking a major step toward establishing Islamabad as a digital hub in Pakistan.