Pakistan is preparing to enter a new era of mobile connectivity, with 5G services expected to launch in major cities starting next week. The news has sparked excitement across the country, with social media buzzing as people look forward to faster internet speeds and smoother online experiences.
The government said 5G pilot projects will begin following a successful spectrum auction that generated $510 million for the national exchequer. The auction will allow telecom operators to provide faster and more reliable internet services to consumers.
5G rollout to improve 4G services
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said work on 5G rollout had already begun and that 4G services would also see improvements thanks to the allocation of new spectrum.
The announcement came at a ceremony hosted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), where slots for frequencies purchased by Jazz, Ufone, and Zong were officially allocated.
Operators start 5G testing ahead of major city launches
Top executives from all three companies attended the event and praised the transparency and fairness of the auction process. Operators revealed that testing for 5G services had already started in several areas, with many eagerly awaiting the moment they see the 5G logo on their phones.
“The completion of the auction marks an important step in Pakistan’s digital journey,” Khawaja said. “Our network capacity has now tripled, and pilot 5G launches will begin in major cities from next week.”
The PTA Chairman, retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman, explained that the auction covered the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands, allowing operators to optimise network performance and reduce interference. The auction also included the 700 MHz band, secured by Jazz, which will help expand mobile broadband coverage over wider areas.
Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim highlighted the importance of mid- and high-band spectrum for rolling out 5G services while noting that expanding nationwide connectivity remains a priority. “This spectrum will strengthen capacity and support the next generation of mobile technology in Pakistan,” he said.
New AI Council to shape Pakistan’s technology, policy future
In addition to 5G, the government is advancing its digital strategy by setting up an Artificial Intelligence Council to guide AI policy and development. A new policy allowing smartphones to be purchased on instalments is also under consideration, which aims to make mobile technology accessible to more people.
The minister also pointed out that a growing number of mobile phones are now being assembled or manufactured locally, showcasing the expansion of Pakistan’s mobile device industry.
With 5G on the horizon, Pakistanis can look forward to faster downloads, smoother video streaming, and a stronger digital economy as the country steps into the next phase of connectivity.
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