ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) in collaboration with the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) has announced the launch of free public Wi-Fi services at 30 designated locations across Islamabad. The initiative aims to boost digital connectivity and support the federal capital’s transition towards a smart city model.
The selected sites include 21 metro bus stations, covering 14 stops from Pak Secretariat to Peshawar Mor and 7 from Faiz Ahmed Faiz to GT Road. In addition, major recreational and commercial hubs such as Japanese Park, Lake View Park, Fatima Jinnah Park, and the Sunday bazaars in G-6 and H-9 have been chosen for the pilot phase. The busy commercial centers in F-6 and F-7 sectors are also part of the rollout, ensuring that residents and visitors can enjoy free Internet access in high-traffic areas.
According to CDA officials, the pilot project will cost approximately Rs 3.5 million per month. Depending on the quality of user feedback and system performance, the program may be expanded to cover additional areas in the coming months. The move is part of broader efforts to enhance Islamabad’s digital infrastructure and public service delivery.
Residents, students, and business professionals are expected to benefit significantly from this initiative. Access to free Wi-Fi will reduce dependency on mobile data and make online resources more accessible for education, work, and communication.
For the growing online education sector, this initiative could play a key role in bridging connectivity gaps. Students and tutors operating through digital platforms in Islamabad will have better access points for learning and virtual collaboration once the service stabilizes.
The success of the project will depend on implementation quality, including coverage, speed, reliability, and security. If executed effectively, it could mark a major step toward turning Islamabad into a digitally empowered smart city.
