5G Rollout in Pakistan: Comprehensive Timeline and Challenges

The Ministry of IT and Telecom has unveiled a detailed timeline for the rollout of 5G services in Pakistan. Official documents presented in Parliament reveal that telecom operators will initiate 5G deployment across the country starting July 2025. This development signifies a major leap forward for the nation's technological infrastructure, but potential hurdles remain, such as regulatory approvals and spectrum auctions.

Timeline for 5G Rollout

The Ministry’s roadmap outlines a series of crucial milestones leading up to the deployment of 5G services:

Key Spectrum Bands for 5G Deployment

The upcoming spectrum auction will play a critical role in the successful deployment of 5G. The following bands will be available for bidding:

• 3500 MHz: Ideal for high-speed data transfer.

• 2600 MHz: Balances coverage and capacity.

• 2300 MHz: Suitable for urban areas with high device density.

• 700 MHz: Provides extensive coverage in rural and suburban areas.

Policy Reforms and Approvals

Recommendations by Consultants (February 2025)

Expert consultants will submit their proposals to the Spectrum Advisory Committee. These recommendations will focus on:

• Pricing models for spectrum allocation.

• Conditions for spectrum trading.

• Taxation reforms to incentivize telecom operators.

Finalization by the Spectrum Advisory Committee (March 2025)

The committee will finalize comprehensive policy reforms to ensure:

• Fair and transparent spectrum allocation.

• Support for small and large telecom operators.

• Efficient taxation policies to reduce operational costs.

Federal Government Approval (April 2025)

The federal government will approve the policy directive to:

• Provide a legal framework for 5G operations.

• Enable a smooth auction process in May 2025.

Challenges to 5G Launch

PTCL-Telenor Merger Approval

The 5G launch could face delays if the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) does not approve the proposed PTCL-Telenor merger. The merger’s approval is crucial for:

• Pooling resources for infrastructure development.

• Enhancing market competition and service quality.

High Spectrum Costs

Telecom operators have raised concerns about high spectrum prices, which could:

• Limit participation in auctions.

• Increase the cost of 5G services for consumers.

Infrastructure Readiness

5G requires significant upgrades to existing telecom infrastructure, including:

• Installation of new base stations.

• Expansion of fiber-optic networks.

• Ensuring nationwide connectivity.

Benefits of 5G for Pakistan

Economic Growth

5G adoption is expected to contribute significantly to Pakistan’s GDP by enabling:

• New business opportunities in tech and innovation.

• Improved efficiency in industries such as agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Enhanced User Experience

Users will benefit from:

• Faster download and upload speeds.

• Seamless streaming and gaming experiences.

• Improved connectivity for IoT devices.

Digital Inclusion

5G technology will help bridge the digital divide by:

• Providing high-speed internet in rural and underserved areas.

• Enabling remote learning and telemedicine services.