Islamabad, Pakistan – After numerous delays, Pakistan is poised for the launch of 5G services, with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announcing an expected spectrum auction by June 2025 and a commercial rollout in early 2026. However, the journey towards this significant technological advancement faces substantial roadblocks including regulatory delays, unresolved legal disputes, and high infrastructural costs.
The PTA has finalized its telecom market assessment and is engaging with stakeholders on reforms needed for a successful 5G implementation. The Auction Advisory Committee is playing a pivotal role, working on spectrum pricing and auction design, with recommendations due to the federal government soon.
Yet, the telecom sector is grappling with legal complications that slow progress. Notable among these are disputes over the 2600 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz bands, which remain mired in court proceedings. These unresolved issues cloud the investment landscape, complicating financial planning for telecom operators.
The high costs of deploying 5G infrastructure and the availability of compatible devices also pose significant challenges. Despite these hurdles, the potential benefits of 5G could transform Pakistan’s digital landscape. The PTA highlights the promise of 5G to drive foreign direct investment, enhance data speeds, service quality, and support the country’s economic growth.
5G is expected to revolutionize several sectors including education through smart learning solutions, healthcare via improved telemedicine, agriculture with IoT-based farming, and manufacturing through increased automation. Additionally, it will strengthen e-governance and public service delivery.
As the 2025 auction approaches, resolving these legal disputes, finalizing pricing details, and ensuring infrastructure readiness are critical. The successful deployment of 5G technology in Pakistan is anticipated to not only improve connectivity but also stimulate economic development, fostering innovation and creating new job opportunities across various industries.
