Free Wi-Fi in Punjab at 1,400+ Locations

Free Wi-Fi in Punjab has officially launched in more than 1,400 locations across the province under a government-led initiative. This bold move aims to reduce the digital divide, improve connectivity in public spaces, and support education and public services.

Under orders from Punjab’s Chief Minister, the PSCA (Punjab Safe Cities Authority) has rolled out the network across major areas. In Lahore alone, 442 hotspots are operational, with users consuming over 1,191 TB of data. More than 58 million user sessions have been logged.

In addition, the project has extended to 23 other districts, covering 952 public sites. The service is also being deployed in 450 women’s government colleges across Punjab to support female students with safe access to the internet for educational and emergency use.

Key Features & Technical Upgrades

• The service now includes Wi-Fi 6, which delivers faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded environments.
• In Lahore, the number of Wi-Fi hotspots has grown from about 230 to more than 430 in a few months.
• The free Wi-Fi is intended primarily for essential and emergency use—education, communication, and government services—not for high-bandwidth entertainment.
• Usage is regulated via content filtering and traffic management to prevent abuse and preserve the network’s intended purpose.

Impact & Challenges

This expansion marks a major step toward bridging Punjab’s connectivity gap. Students, citizens, and visitors in public spaces now have access to the digital world, potentially boosting learning outcomes and civic participation. The inclusion of women’s colleges also enhances safety and learning opportunities for female students.

However, the initiative faces challenges:

• Internet speeds may suffer under high load or misuse.
• Strict content filtering might limit certain educational resources.
• Maintaining uptime, security, and coverage in remote districts will require ongoing investment and management.

Still, the network’s rapid spread suggests strong governmental commitment. The expansion in Lahore alone—from ~230 to 430+ hotspots—is a promising sign of acceleration and scale.

Future Outlook & Recommendations

To make this program sustainable and effective:

• Expand bandwidth and backhaul infrastructure to ensure stability.
• Monitor usage data regularly to adjust limits and quality of service.
• Add newer technologies (Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7) over time.
• Open public feedback channels to report dead spots or performance issues.
• Partner with educational and local institutions to promote digital literacy among users.

As Punjab continues rolling out this program, the province could set an example for other regions seeking to democratize internet access.

Key Locations Covered by Free Wi-Fi in Punjab

• Lahore
• Kasur
• Nankana Sahib
• Sheikhupura
• Sialkot
• Gujrat
• Jhelum
• Attock
• Hasan Abdal
• Sahiwal
• Okara
• Murree