COMSATS Internet Services successfully deal with ‘operational turbulence’

ISLAMABAD: COMSATS Internet Services (CIS) has bounced back from financial and operational turbulence with a major infrastructure overhaul, 7 Gbps internet bandwidth and a state-of-the-art Tier III Data Centre, positioning the public-sector entity for a fresh push into Pakistan’s fast-expanding digital economy.

The organisation, which operates as the internet services arm of COMSATS, has increased its overall internet bandwidth capacity to 7 Gbps, enabling it to provide high-speed and reliable connectivity to government departments, educational institutions, research organizations and corporate customers across the country.

The transformation gathered momentum following the appointment of Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Nafees Zakaria as the executive director of COMSATS in November 2022.

Under the new leadership, CIS undertook a comprehensive restructuring focused on financial discipline, operational efficiency, technological upgrades and improved customer service.

An official said the measures helped the organization overcome financial and operational difficulties, strengthen its relationship with international bandwidth providers, resolve outstanding liabilities and establish a more sustainable financial footing.

A key component of CIS’s upgraded digital infrastructure is its state-of-the-art Data Centre, which provides hosting and digital infrastructure services to government, education and private-sector organizations.

The facility is ISO/IEC 27001 certified, reflecting compliance with internationally recognized information security management standards, while its Tier III infrastructure provides redundancy and operational resilience designed to minimize service disruptions.

The Data Centre offers a range of services, including dedicated and virtual server hosting, cloud computing, co-location, managed hosting, disaster recovery and secure data storage. The services are aimed at organisations seeking to reduce IT infrastructure costs while improving security, reliability and operational continuity.

CIS has also moved to reduce its dependence on conventional electricity by installing a 167-kVA solar power system at its Data Centre.

The solar installation is estimated to generate annual savings of around Rs15 million, helping reduce operating costs while supporting the organisation’s efforts towards environmentally sustainable operations.

The initiative is particularly significant for a data centre, where uninterrupted electricity supply is critical, and energy represents a major component of operating expenditure. The savings generated through renewable energy can subsequently support further investment in technology, network expansion and service improvements.

CIS has simultaneously strengthened its role in supporting Pakistan’s education and research ecosystem. As part of COMSATS’ broader mandate to promote science, technology and innovation, the organisation provides connectivity to institutions that depend on reliable internet access for online education, research, international collaboration and access to global knowledge networks.

The organisation has also established more than 80 internet hubs at COMSATS University Islamabad, covering academic buildings and student hostels. The initiative has expanded access to digital services for students and faculty and strengthened the university’s digital learning environment.

The revival comes at a time when reliable internet connectivity has become critical to almost every sector of the economy, from digital payments and e-commerce to education, healthcare, government services and technology-based businesses.

Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, big-data analytics, the Internet of Things and telemedicine, are further increasing demand for secure, high-capacity and uninterrupted connectivity.

CIS’s management argues that its renewed focus on infrastructure, cybersecurity, renewable energy and customer-oriented services has placed the organisation in a stronger position to respond to these requirements.

The turnaround also offers an example of how a public-sector institution can recover from financial and operational pressures through improved governance, strategic planning and targeted investment.

With its expanded 7 Gbps bandwidth capacity, ISO/IEC 27001-certified Tier III Data Centre, diversified hosting and cloud services, and growing renewable-energy footprint, CIS is seeking to consolidate its position in Pakistan’s increasingly competitive internet services market.

As Pakistan accelerates its digital transformation, the availability of secure and dependable digital infrastructure will remain central to economic activity, public service delivery, education, and innovation, putting institutions such as CIS at the heart of the country’s digital ambitions.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026