Preparations for the launch of 5G services in Pakistan are picking up pace, with both the government and local mobile phone manufacturers moving to ensure that affordable devices are ready by the time networks go live.
Officials say local assemblers and manufacturers are aiming to make around two million 5G enabled smartphones available by the time services are launched. Of these, about 0.5 million handsets have already been assembled or manufactured, showing early readiness on the device side even before the commercial rollout begins.
The government is also pushing for installment based sales to make 5G phones easier to afford, especially as households face tight economic conditions. Authorities want entry level 5G smartphones to be available at prices starting from around Rs30,000, a move seen as key to encouraging mass adoption.
According to officials, the spectrum auction for 5G is scheduled by the end of next month. Commercial services are expected to be launched within the next five months in major cities, with a gradual expansion to other areas later on.
To align handset supply with network deployment, senior government officials, including representatives from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, recently met the Mobile Device Manufacturers Association. The association represents around 35 mobile phone assemblers and manufacturers operating in the country.
During the meeting, participants were told that at least five companies, including Samsung, Vivo and OPPO, are already assembling or manufacturing 5G enabled devices locally. Other manufacturers are also preparing to begin work in this area.
Officials noted that demand for 5G smartphones had remained low in the past due to the absence of 5G services. However, with the government now moving closer to launching the technology, production activity has started to gain momentum. By the time services go live, officials said, there should be no shortage of 5G enabled handsets in the market.
The government assured manufacturers of full support in addressing regulatory and operational challenges. This includes help at the import stage and the timely issuance of Certificates of Conformity to avoid delays.
Manufacturers welcomed the proposal for installment based purchases and assured authorities that they would roll out locally assembled 5G phones starting from Rs30,000, while scaling up production to meet expected demand.
Officials said close coordination between regulators, telecom operators and manufacturers will remain central to the success of Pakistan’s 5G rollout in the months ahead.
