Punjab expands free Wi-Fi service with upgraded speeds

The Chief Minister's Free Wi-Fi service has been extended to more areas across Punjab, including Lahore. The number of free Wi-Fi hotspots in Lahore has increased from 200 to 230, and the service has now been upgraded to the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology.

According to a spokesperson, the switch to Wi-Fi 6 technology will provide users with faster and more stable internet service. The Safe Cities Authority is offering free Wi-Fi at 300 locations across 11 districts in Punjab.

This service is currently active in Lahore, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Gujrat, Jhelum, and Attock, with residents in Sahiwal, Okara, and Murree also benefiting from the service at key locations. The spokesperson for Safe Cities confirmed that the free Wi-Fi service will soon be expanded throughout the entire province.

To date, over 17.7 million users have accessed the service, with a total of 438 terabytes of data used. Residents have expressed satisfaction, noting that the service has made their daily activities easier.

The spokesperson also clarified that the free Wi-Fi service is intended for emergency use and will not be available for video streaming or entertainment purposes. Following the orders of the Chief Minister of Punjab, efforts are ongoing to transform the province into a digital hub.

Earlier, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz revealed ambitious plans to upgrade the province’s government schools with smart classrooms and digital labs, marking a step towards integrating modern technology into traditional education.

Speaking on Digital Learning Day, Chief Minister Maryam emphasised that in today’s world, technological advancement and education go hand in hand.

"Development is now linked to technology, and the youth of Punjab must be equipped with the skills required to meet the demands of the modern world,” she said.

The Chief Minister highlighted the government's efforts to create opportunities for students to align with international market demands, specifically through the introduction of advanced IT training programmes.

As part of these efforts, Punjab is providing students with access to international-standard IT courses, including artificial intelligence (AI), software development, and freelancing.