Pakistan sees 71.6% rise in smartphone users – Check number of broadband users

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has recorded a rise in smartphone usage during the current fiscal year 2025-26, with the share of users increasing by 0.6 percent to reach 71.6 percent, according to the Economic Survey 2025–26. The survey also shows a decline in 2G users, whose proportion has dropped to 28 percent as more consumers shift toward advanced mobile technologies. Overall, the combined number of mobile and fixed-line users in the country has reached 207.22 million. The proportion of mobile connections has also increased to 82.6 percent, up from 81 percent recorded in the previous year. Broadband Users Broadband usage has shown significant growth as well, with the number of users reaching 161 million, reflecting expanding internet accessibility across the country. According to the official data, locally manufactured mobile phones have reached 161.6 million units by March 2026, highlighting growth in domestic mobile production. The survey further notes that Pakistan continues to rank among countries offering some of the lowest-cost internet data services globally. At the same time, total internet data consumption in the country has surged, reaching an estimated 30,783 petabytes. The findings reflect continued expansion in digital connectivity, increased smartphone adoption, and growing reliance on internet-based services across Pakistan.