Pakistan is gearing up to launch 5G services in the coming months, beginning in seven major cities. This announcement was made by Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja during the ITCN Asia Expo in Karachi, highlighting the government’s commitment to delivering faster and more reliable internet connectivity as part of its “Digital Pakistan” agenda.
Federal Minister Announces 5G Launch, Vows Infrastructure Boost Despite Past Delays
In recent years, Pakistan has faced significant delays in 5G adoption due to a confluence of challenges, including limited spectrum allocation, high deployment costs, a weak fiber-optic backbone, and frequent internet disruptions. Experts and regulatory bodies have consistently pointed out that while broadband and mobile usage has expanded, the necessary supporting infrastructure and policy frameworks have lagged. Economic constraints, policy gaps, and administrative hurdles were specifically identified as major impediments by consultants working with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority in late 2024.
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According to the minister, the 5G rollout will be accompanied by crucial improvements to the country’s internet backbone. This includes intensified fiberization efforts, increased submarine cable capacity (especially vital after recent damage to cables near the Red Sea affected connectivity), and policies aimed at enhancing smartphone affordability and expanding digital services. The minister also connected this ambitious plan to the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia agreement, which is expected to bolster the nation’s digital infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.
Meanwhile, the government anticipates conducting the long-awaited 5G spectrum auction by the end of this year, pending the resolution of any outstanding legal or technical matters, including spectrum litigation and regulatory oversight. The introduction of 5G is poised to unlock new opportunities across various sectors, driving advancements in connectivity, smart services, and digital transformation, thereby reinforcing Pakistan’s aspiration to keep pace with global technological progress.
